Several groups and organizations launched tribute programs to honor the August Heroes and Martyrs of Panay on 26 August. Friends, family and former comrades of the 11 fallen Red fighters of the New People’s Army (NPA)-Panay and Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) cadres in the region attended the gathering. Guests offered eulogies and poems to celebrate the life and legacy of the martyrs.
Maria Concepcion Araneta-Bocala (Ka Concha/Ka Minay), Vicente Hinojales (Ka Hadjie/Ka Emil), Aurelio B. Bosque (Ka Zarco/Baijan/Rio), Jose Jerry Tacaisan (Ka Miller/Bronze), Bemjamin Cortel (Ka Amor/Ruby/Mamang), Romulo Iturriaga Gangoso (Ka Reagan/Biboy/Pedik), Jielmor Gauranoc (Ka Doc/Tango/Baron), Juvylene Silverio (Ka Kaykay/Purang), Armando Savariz (Ka Nene/Kulot), Rewilmar Torrato (Ka Minerva/Mara/Moray) and John Paul Capio (Ka Ronron) were all given the highest tributes at the gathering.
The said martyrs fell in a series of armed encounters with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from 5 to 15 August in the towns of Calinog and Lambunao, and on August 24 in Valderrama, Antique.
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) International Office and the Ka Joma Lives! Study Movement organized a tribute for the Panay martyrs in time for the launch of the Sison Reader Series 26: Tributes to Revolutionary Heroes and Martyrs. Meanwhile, the NDFP Peace Negotiating Panel read a statement in response to the killing of Ka Concha who was a consultant for the peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the NDFP.
“She dedicated her whole life to serving the masses. Her undying commitment and boundless optimism in victory of the revolution serves as inspiration to all revolutionaries to carry on the struggle and overcome difficulties,” said Ka Julie De Lima, chairperson of the NDFP Peace Negotiating Panel.
The Central Committee honored the other Martyrs of August for their “struggle against the fascist Marcos regime, defense of the rights of the oppressed masses of workers and peasants, and fighting alongside the Filipino people to achieve their centuries-old desire for true freedom and democracy.”
The day of tribute coincided with Ka Concha’s 74th birthday.
