Message to Tanggol Magsasaka Timog Katagalugan
By Jose Maria Sison, Chairperson Emeritus
International League of Peoples’ Struggle
April 20, 2022
Dear Comrades and Friends,
As Chairperson Emeritus of the International League of People’s Struggle, I wish to convey to you warmest greetings of solidarity on the occasion of commemorating the 19th anniversary of the martyrdom and heroism of Eduardo “Ka Eddie” Gumanoy, former chairperson of Katipunan ng mga Samahang Magbubukid sa Timog Katagalugan (KASAMA-TK) and Eden Marcellana, former secretary general of KARAPATAN-Southern Tagalog.
They were both members of the quick reaction team in Mindoro to respond to the dire human rights situation and needs of the peasants and indigenous peoples. They selflessly served them with revolutionary resolve, courage and militancy. They worked hard and did not fear grave risks and sacrifices in order to achieve their tasks. They made the supreme sacrifice when they were abducted, tortured and detained by the 204th Infantry Brigade under the notorious butcher General Jovito Palparan.
It is fitting and proper that we honor them for their revolutionary example, their arduous struggle, sacrifices and achievements and demand justice for their murder. Almost two decades have passed and their comrades and families continue to cry for justice. Worse, the current Duterte tyranny is on a killing rampage against the peasant masses and the defenders of peasant and human rights.
I commend Tanggol Magsasaka Timog Katagalugan for continuing the fight and call for justice for the murder of Eddie Gumanoy and Eden Marcellana and for launching the Eduardo Gumanoy Award at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City on April 21, 2022 in the presence of the veteran and current advocates of peasant rights and the peasant movement.
I have the highest appreciation for the Eduardo Gumanoy Award for its noble purpose of honoring and paying tribute to the pillars of the peasant movement who have worked for the cause of advocating, defending and promoting the rights and interests of the farmers, indigenous people and fisher folks.
May the revolutionary example and memory of the Eduardo Gumanoy, Eden Marcellana and other advocates who have passed away continue to inspire and strengthen the resolve of the current and future advocates to fight for land and for all the democratic rights of the peasants. We are all confident that because of their hard work and sacrifices the peasant movement will win ever greater victories in the struggle.
Long live the revolutionary spirit of Eduardo Gumanoy and Edna Marcellana!
Carry forward the struggle of the peasant masses for land and all democratic rights!
Victory for the Filipino people’s struggle for national and social liberation!
