It is with a deep sense of loss that we learned of the passing of beloved comrade Patricia Corazon Casambre last October 4 at the age of 79. The members of the Central Committee and the entire membership of the Communist Party of the Philippines extend their heartfelt condolences to the family of Ka Cora, especially to her husband Rey, their daughter and son-in-law, and her grandchildren.

Ka Cora, whom we all know in the underground movement as Ka Alice, was an ardent revolutionary and dedicated communist. She led a long life of committed service to the people’s democratic revolution. Today, we honor her name among the ranks of the heroes and martyrs of the Filipino people.

She was teaching mathematics in the University of the Philippines (Baguio and Tarlac campus) in 1970 when she became critically aware of the social ills plaguing Philippine society. She helped organize teachers and students fight for their rights amid heightening political repression under the puppet and fascist Marcos Sr regime.

Like many, Ka Cora joined the revolutionary underground after the declaration of martial law in 1972. For many years, she made invaluable contributions to various fields of struggle, serving as pioneer in some. During the darkest years of the Marcos fascist dictatorship, she helped in scientific studies and research which helped advance the Filipino people’s armed resistance and other forms of struggle.

She would later resume her work in organizing her fellow teachers during the height of protests leading to the downfall of the Marcos regime. She would later join education and translation work, preparing and publishing progressive and revolutionary titles under the Aklat ng Bayan. She also provided valuable assistance to the work of National Democratic Front in peace negotiations.

Ka Cora assiduously studied and taught Marxism-Leninism-Maoism and vigorously upheld and put into practice the line, program and policies of the Party. She never wavered in her proletarian standpoint, opposing modern revisionism and standing firmly for socialism, despite the setbacks and defeats. She remained committed to the historic mission of the working class to end class exploitation and attain freedom and progress for all.

She took her place among the ranks of activists and revolutionary forces, exposing and fighting imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism, waging resistance to end the semicolonial and semifeual system, and standing against the oppressive neoliberal policies and political repression of successive pseudo-democratic and fascist regimes, from Marcos I to Marcos II.

She made personal sacrifices in order to carry out her revolutionary tasks, embodying humility and selflessness. Ka Cora is among the many women empowered by the revolution, who found liberation by breaking free from the shackles of feudal patriarchy and bourgeois sexism.

The enemy did not spare her and subjected her to constant military surveillance and political repression. Her direct experience as a victim of fascist imprisonment only steeled her determination to resist. She was undaunted. Her militance never waned even in her later years. She remained an ever fervent revolutionary until her last breath.

Ka Cora’s long life of service and contributions to the people’s democratic revolution inspires the Party and the current generation of young revolutionaries and communists. The Party and all Filipino revolutionaries will forever cherish her memory, honor her sacrifices and uphold her example of unwavering commitment to the revolutionary cause. Her indomitable spirit will serve as inspiration as we continue to advance the struggle for national liberation and democracy.