Organizations, parties, and groups from various regions of the Philippines and other countries honored and paid tribute to Ka Luis Jalandoni (Ka Louie), who passed away on June 7 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, at the age of 90. He was recognized as a steadfast advocate of peace, an internationalist, and an exemplary revolutionary.

Ka Louie was born on February 26, 1935, into a family of rich landlords with vast sugarcane plantations in Silay City, Negros Occidental. He studied and graduated from a private school and was later ordained a priest of the Catholic Church.

During the Marcos dictatorship, he served as a strong voice for the oppressed and exploited, especially the sugarcane farmworkers, as an activist priest. He was one of the founders of Christians for National Liberation (CNL) and became part of its leadership.

Ka Louie became a Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) member in March 1972 and performed various duties for the revolutionary movement. He was formally appointed as the International Representative of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in 1977.

In 1989, Ka Louie was appointed as the NDFP chief negotiator in peace negotiations with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP). Since then, Ka Louie played a key role forging significant agreements signed by representatives of the NDFP and GRP. He formally stepped down from his position in 2016 and has since served as a senior adviser to the negotiating panel.

Red salute of the people’s army

New People’s Army (NPA) units paid tribute to Ka Louie and honored him with a silent 21-gun salute on June 12, in accordance with the instructions of the CPP Central Committee. During these gatherings, the Central Committee’s message of tribute was read.

The Red fighters collectively recited the “Tribute and Pledge to Ka Louie.” In Southern Tagalog, a “Kapehan” (discussion over coffee) was also held to discuss and honor Ka Louie. NPA political officer Ka Maxie said, “Ka Louie can be assured that we will take the pledge to heart and live it out. The life he offered for the revolution and the people will not be in vain.”

Regional chapters and allied organizations of the NDFP also paid tribute to Ka Louie. These included the NDF International Office, CNL, Liga ng Agham para sa Bayan, Compatriots, Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid, Kabataang Makabayan, Lupon ng mga Manananggol ng Bayan, at Artista at Manunulat ng Sambayanan at Makabayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan. Most statements came from organizations based on the island of Negros, Ka Louie’s birthplace.

According to the Central Committee, even as the revolutionary movement mourns the passing of Ka Louie, it firmly vows to continue his legacy of selfless service, boundless humility, revolutionary integrity, and commitment to waging the people’s democratic revolution until victory is finally won.

Local and international recognition

Hundreds attended the tribute organized by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan for Ka Louie at the University of the Philippines-Diliman on June 17. Relatives, colleagues, and companions of Ka Louie, veteran activists, the new generation, and young heirs to his legacy of struggle gathered in one hall.

Government representatives from Venezuela and Norway who joined the program recognized and praised Ka Louie. Members of the GRP negotiating panel from previous peace talks also acknowledged him.

Legal national-democratic organizations from various sectors of society paid tribute to Ka Louie. They regarded him as an excellent model of selfless dedication of life and strength for the cause of the Filipino people.

From abroad, parties and organizations from Ireland, United States, Afghanistan, Germany, Turkey, Kurdistan, and other countries expressed recognition of Ka Louie. For them, Ka Louie made a significant contribution to advancing the global people’s movement against imperialism and all forms of reaction.