Slain KMU organizer a long-time activist

Danilo Belano’s death last Nov. 25 brought an untimely end to his four decades of activism, Kilusang Mayo Uno said today, as it prepares to hold the tribute for the slain labor organizer this December 3.

Belano, 59, died of stroke at the Ospital ng Maynila where he was brought by unidentified men who left before his family members arrived. According to his children and friends, he was set to meet up with agents from the Intelligence Service of the AFP (Isafp) a few hours before he was rushed to the hospital. 

In the morning of Nov. 24, Belano was cornered by men who introduced themselves as Isafp agents. They showed him his dossier, told him they have been conducting surveillance operations on him for more than a year now, and that they will abduct and harm his children if he refuses to “cooperate” with them by identifying the leaders and organizers of activist groups and their whereabouts. Belano had a heart condition.

“Belano was a dedicated revolutionary. He started out early as a national-democratic activist during his high school days, even before he studied engineering at the Far Eastern Air Transport Incorporated or Feati in the late ’60s,” said Joselito “Lito” Ustarez, KMU executive vice president.

“After doing some organizing work among the youth and students during the martial law years, he decided to organize workers in their communities during the late ’70s. There he showed an eagerness to learn. He later on became adept at organizing unions and waging strikes,” Ustarez added. 

“As a comrade, he loved cracking jokes. He has this habit of laughing at his errors in tactics, not to make irresponsible fun at them but to appreciate how the tactic was often the result of a misreading of the situation,” Ustarez said. 

Fond memories of father

Belano’s children only have fond memories of their father, remembering him as a man who lived simply, who was always cool and caring and never tense, who taught them to remain strong amidst life’s adversities, and who introduced “the people’s movement” to them.

“He always had wise words for us,” said his son Jojo (not his real name). “Once, he asked me to go to the office of an NGO (non-government organization). I refused because I looked so dirty after doing propaganda work in a community the whole day. He asked me, ‘Why do you feel ashamed? The work we do is decent. The people there can’t do what we can.’ I took my bag and went straight to that office,” he said.

He said his father never bossed around the house, and was always “democratic.” “Even when he is angry, he wants us to speak up to him, to explain why we did what we did. He listens intently, never letting malice get in the way. He would apologize for his mistakes,” Jojo said. 

“That’s why he’s my favorite drinking buddy. I know many people would not want to drink with their fathers, but sometimes, when I earn more than my boundary as a jeepney driver, it is I who pay for the drinks – because I love to hear him speak. He doesn’t drink that much, though,” he added. 

“We love him for teaching us to love working people. We already miss him,” said Jojo. 

Belano’s remains lie at the Philippine Independence Church Sto. Sepulcro Parish, Canonigo corner Zamora Streets, Paco, Manila. #