We join the Filipino people in marking the Cry of Pugad Lawin of August 23, 1898. In the face of national oppression, the Filipino people rose nearly 130 years ago to fight for national freedom against Spanish colonialism. For more than a century and a quarter since, they have fought relentlessly to attain the same aspirations as their forefathers.

Genuine national freedom and social justice remain the ideals that motivate the broad masses of the Filipino people to continue their resistance and rise up in arms to be free from semicolonial domination and semifeudal oppression. They are even more determined to fight against the US-Marcos fascist regime which has aggravated the crisis and oppression and exploitation of the people.

Together with the Filipino people, the Communist Party of the Philippines, along with the New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front, pledge to continue waging the national democratic revolution until complete victory is attained. This is by way of honoring all the heroes of this generation, whom we remember today:

Jose Maria Sison, Benito Tiamzon, Wilma Austria, Julius Giron, Mariano Adlao, Jorge Madlos, Menandro Villanueva, Antonio Cabanatan, Dionisio Micabalo, Eugenia Magpantay, Alfredo Merilos, Dennis Rodina, Agaton Topacio, Randall Echanis, Rosalino Canubas, Sandra Reyes, Ezequiel Daguman, Emmanuel Fernandez, Rolando Leyson Jr, Helenita Pardalis, Josephine Mendoza, Aprecia Alvarez Rosete, Rogelio Posadas, Jude Fernandez, Vicente Hinojales, Maria Concepcion Araneta-Bocala, and countless others.

They are heroes because they selflessly dedicated their lives to the cause of the Filipino people and to the realization of their centuries-long aspiration for freedom and democracy.They carried the torch of the Philippine revolution, passed on from previous generations of fighters, cadres, organizers and propagandists. Imbued with the spirit of Andres Bonifacio, they treaded old paths and trailblazed new ones.

Because of their selfless deeds, the Filipino people have accumulated great accomplishments in the course of their struggle. Inspired by their sacrifices, the broad masses of the people are determined as ever to advance and realize the aims of national democracy and socialism, no matter how difficult and no matter how long it takes.