May 22, 2008
Revered Labour Leader Dies
The Public Service Alliance of Canada joins with trade unionists and activists world wide in paying tribute to Crispin “Ka Bel” Beltran. Beltran -- acknowledged as the great grand old man of Philippine labour and a dedicated freedom fighter -- died of injuries sustained in an accident at his home in the Philippines on May 20.
Elected to the Philippine Congress in 2001, Beltran headed up Anakpawis (the toiling masses) – the electoral wing of the First of May Movement, the largest labour federation in the Philippines. Conspicuous for his modest means in a Congress dominated by millionaires, before his death Beltran was preparing an address to Congress on agrarian reform.
Revered as a tireless fighter for freedom and democracy in the Philippines, Beltran was in Canada recently participating in labour round tables and appeared before the House of Commons Subcommittee on International Human Rights speaking out against injustice and oppression in his country.
“Ka” – for comrade – Bel was a veteran of the Anti Ferdinand Markos movement who was jailed by the dictator for his work for social justice. A vocal critic of current Philippine president Gloria Orroyo, Beltran was again arrested in 2006 and detained until July 2007 when charges against him were dismissed.
Speaking of his friend to the International Herald Tribune, current chair of First of May Movement Elmer Labog said: “While Ka Bel didn't get his wish that he die in the streets fighting tyranny and exploitation, he did not die in vain. His whole life offered in the service of the Filipino people and other struggling people in the world makes him a hero no less.”
Beltran, who was 75, is survived by his wife and 11 children.
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Date Modified : 2008/05/23
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