International groups and parties recognized and honored Ka Maria Malaya (Myrna Sularte), one of the leading cadres of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and beloved fighter of the oppressed masses of workers, peasants, and Lumad people in Mindanao. Ka Maria fell in her last battle on February 12 in Barangay Pianing, Butuan City in an intense clash between the New People’s Army and the brutal fascist 901st IBde forces.

The Friends of the Filipino People in Struggle (FFPS), People’s Democratic Students Unity (PDSU)-Bangladesh, Marxist-Leninist Party of Germany (MLPD) and its youth organization REBELL, Communist Party of Turkey-Marxist Leninist (TKP-ML) and other parties extended their condolences and tribute to the martyrdom of Ka Maria.

The FFPS is certain that Ka Maria’s legacies will continue to live on in the thousands of new revolutionary cadres and Red fighters of the New People’s Army (NPA) that she helped develop. “They are ready to continue her work and leadership in the struggle,” the group said.

Ka Maria was a member of the CPP Central Committee and Political Bureau. She became the leader of the Mindanao Commission and served as the Party’s Regional Committee secretary in Northeast Mindanao for the past two decades. She also served as spokesperson of the National Democratic Front in Northeast Mindanao.

Over the past five decades, she performed various duties, including leading revolutionary work in cities and urban areas, both in western and northeastern Mindanao.

For the student group PDSU-Bangladesh, Ka Maria’s sacrifice of life is very meaningful and heavier than the mountains. The group affirmed their strong support for the struggle left by Ka Maria in the Philippines under the leadership of the CPP.

“Ka Maria Malaya is not gone, her name, her struggle, and her contributions to the people’s war will live on in every comrade who carries forward the fight for national and social liberation,” the TKP-ML stated.

Parties and organizations from different parts of the world vowed to continue the struggles in their respective countries as complementary to the people’s war against imperialism in the Philippines.

“Her unwavering service to the oppressed and exploited will continue to inspire anti-imperialists worldwide,” the FFPS stated.