Human rights groups saluted and honored Ernesto Jude Rimando, 58, for devoting his life and for his dedication to serving the Filipino people. Rimando, a veteran labor organizer, passed away this morning at 5:13 a.m., July 23, due to Stage 4 liver cancer.

Rimando, known to his friends as Bogchi or Talong, graduated from the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) and was a former student of the University of the Philippines-Diliman, taking Mechanical Engineering. He has been an activist since high school.

After that, he served as a labor movement organizer and advocate for the rights of farmers in the Visayas. For 20 years, he has been a member and researcher of the Alyansa sa mga Mamumuo sa Sugbo.

Rimando was arrested on January 6, 2021 and detained at the Metro Manila District Jail-Annex 2 in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City. Worse, he was blindfolded, tortured and subjected to interrogation.

His arresting officers falsely claimed having confiscated guns and grenades from his apartment. State forces issued an arrest warrant in the name of “Allan Morales” and insisted it was Rimando. The court dismissed these charges in April 2023 but he remained in jail for other charges under the name “Allan Morales” in the Visayas.

Rimando then went to Metro Manila in 2020 to get treatment for his liver cirrhosis and sepsis. He was arrested in Quezon City before he could receive treatment.

Rimando suffered from many illnesses including Stage 4 liver cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary tuberculosis. On May 18, he was taken to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) for examination and it was found that his liver cirrhosis had progressed into Stage 4 liver cancer and he only had three months to live. Before this, he had been in and out of the hospital five times.

On June 19, Atty Kristian Lora of the Visayas Community Law Center, Rimando’s lawyer, filed a petition for his release based on “recognizance” on humanitarian grounds in a court in Bohol, where he had other cases. This type of temporary freedom is granted to those who are considered “low-risk” and have a low likelihood of fleeing. He no longer made it to the court hearing on this petition scheduled on July 30.

Karapatan said that despite Rimando’s unjust imprisonment and his severe illness, he remained in high spirits and was militant and determined in his cause for the exploited and oppressed people.

“His service and sacrifice will forever be loved by the many people who knew him,” the group added. Rimando once shared: “I am happy with the life I have journeyed and the rich experiences I have gained in the struggle.”

Today, the tribute and honor by friends, relatives, former colleagues and fellow activists for him are extensive. Activists and organizations in Metro Manila are set to hold a tribute. Political prisoners at the Negros Occidental District Jail attended a mass to express their condolences to Rimando’s bereaved family. He is survived by his wife, children and siblings.