Last 16 December, the first anniversary of the martyrdom of Comrade Jose Maria Sison, great Filipino leader, teacher and communist, was commemorated through conferences and cultural performances.

Hundreds of individuals, both veteran activists and youth, gathered at the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman for a discussion and reflection on the writings of Ka Joma.

Entitled “Reflections on Palestine, the Philippines, and the Struggle for a Just and Lasting Peace,” participants gave reflections and personal descriptions on Ka Joma’s writings including “Our Urgent Tasks,” an article on Israel’s aggression and massacre of the Palestinian people, writings on peace talks between the NDFP and GRP, “On Revolutionary Violence,” and his final statement “The Filipino People’s Democratic Revolution is Invincible.”

In Utrecht, The Netherlands, comrades, allies, and friends of the revolutionary movement in the Philippines gathered at the NDFP International Information Office where they featured tributes, songs, poetry readings and other cultural performances to commemorate the colorful and meaningful life of Ka Joma. They also gave tribute to and commemorated several other comrades who were martyred during the course of the revolutionary struggle when it started until the present.

Units of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army nationwide also launched various activities to commemorate and honor Ka Joma. Some fronts held pledge renewals to the Party on the same day to affirm wholehearted service to the Filipino people and to offer their lives for the victory of the people’s democratic revolution.