As the country marks the beginning of the Katipunan-led armed uprising more than a century ago, the selflessness and sacrifice of the heroes and martyrs of the Filipino people’s armed resistance were recognized by revolutionaries.

They salute the Red fighters of the New People’s Army for giving their lives for the Filipino people and the realization of the national democratic revolution.

“Their life and memories will forever be remembered by the masses and people of Cordillera,” Ka Kris Madayaw, spokesperson of Katipunan ng mga Samahang Manggagawa (Kasama) a member of the Cordillera People’s Democratic Front, expressed in a statement.

Kasama-CPDF paid honors to Philbert Dalang, Antonio “Ka Leyap” Licawen, Wifredo “Ka Hoben” Aluba, Maritess “Ka Gigi” Payangdo and all the Red fighters who served the Cordilleran people. The four martyrs came from the workers and semiworkers sector.

In a separate statement, Ka Bayani Obrero of the National Democratic Front-Negros Island said that the blood and sacrifices of martyred comrades flame further the struggles of Negrosanons.

They serve as inspiration to the people especially in the face of the unabated attacks, killings and harassment perpetrated by state forces, recounting the 89 victims of extra-judicial killings in the island.

Published in North Central Mindanao’s revolutionary mass paper, Ang Kalihukan, revolutionary forces in the region honored about 23 martyred comrades in the first half of 2020.

“Dili matup­ngan ang inyong pag­ka-dili maki­kaugalingon ug ang inyong hingpit nga pag-alagad sa ka­tawhan [Your selflessness and all-out service to the poeple is boundless],” it said.

They remembered Rio Amor “Ka Lima” Yuson, a member of the Regional Party Committee, Gladys Joy “Ka Andi” Hiponia, a member of the Regional Medical Staff and other Red fighters who offered their lives.

In Southern Mindanao, the Regional Operations Command of the NPA conferred its highest revolutionary salute to comrade Prince Wendel “Ka Do” Olofernes, a Red commander and revolutionary artist.

He was a political instructor and later commander of a guerilla front in Davao Oriental. Ka Do promoted the welfare of small-scale miners in Black Mountain. He was also an artist who championed indigenous art and infused revolutionary principles into popular media such as music and graphic arts.

The revolutionary movement and the Filipino people also paid tribute to Ka Nars, Ka Randall, Ka Fidel and all others whose names have been etched in the annals of revolutionary history alongside the other heroes of the Philippine revolution.