By SALVADOR DEL PUEBLO
National Democratic Front of the Philippines
Cagayan Valley Region
The Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army (NPA) and all revolutionary forces in Cagayan Valley welcome the family, friends, supporters and all participants of a traverse trek to be held from April 18-23 in honor of late botanist Leonardo Co. Professor Co was killed on November 15, 2010 by soldiers of the 19th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army in the mountains of Kananga, Leyte where he and his group were conducting a botanical survey.
We support you in demanding justice for Professor Co and all other victims of state brutality. It is but fitting to pay tribute to his exemplary life and work as a people’s botanist through a trek across the Sierra Madre mountains. The Sierra Madre is home to vast flora and fauna now rapidly being destroyed by capitalist logging, mining and other destructive government projects and programs. Professor Co exerted all efforts in saving the Sierra Madre and the country’s environment; it is truly imperative that we continue his struggle.
We welcome you and assure your safety in your trek. The units of the NPA within the San Mariano-Palanan area will ensure the proper disposition of its troops for this purpose, seek to coordinate with your organizers to propose measures for the hike, and extend whatever help you may need.
