Highest salute accorded to KMU’s Chairman Emeritus 

“ THE Great Grand Old Man of  the Philippine Labor  has passed away. We give him our highest salute.”

 This is the statement of Elmer “Ka Bong’ Labog to the untimely death of  KMU’s Chairman Emeritus Crispin ‘Ka Bel’ Beltran this morning due to severe head injuries caused by a bad fall in his son’s house in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.   

“ This is a sad day not just for the labor movement in the Philippines but for all the toiling masses in the world. He was an outstanding labor leader and freedom fighter who was very popular and highly respected by many, especially the most exploited and most oppressed people. We will miss his presence in the people’s movement and in the militant labor movement led by KMU. But  we will carry on his fight  and struggles,” Labog said.  

“ While Ka Bel didn’t get his wish that he die in the streets fighting againt 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, “ Labog added. 

Labog has called on all members of KMU to hold a vigil tonight and give Ka Bel the appropriate tribute deserving an outstanding servant of the people. ###