May 20, 2008 01:27PM EDT [general.addtranslation] Download Article (PDF)
JFAV : A Tribute to Ka. Crispin Beltran, The Hero of the Filipino Working Class

The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the alliance of veterans groups, student and youth and community organizations and advocates and as a founding member of the International League of Peoples Struggle (ILPS) pays tribute and homage to Crispin Beltran, 75 , who passed away last May 20, 2008 in the Philippines

Ka. Bel, as we fondly call him, was a representative of BAYAN MUNA and later the ANAK-PAWIS Party list group, BAYAN Chair, Chair and Chair emeritus of Kilusang Mayo Uno (May First Movement) labor center and was the first chairperson of the International League of Peoples Struggle (ILPS) from 2001-2004.

As a chair person of the ILPS Ka Bel supported the Filipino World War II veterans and gave due course to the resolution of the ILPS in 2001 and again in 2004 ILPS Assemblies recognizing the contribution of the veterans to the struggle against fascism in World War II and the justness of their current struggle for recognition, justice and equity in the United States.

When he was again tortured and jailed by the fascist US-Macapagal-Arroyo regime when GMA declared a “state of emergency” in February 2006. JFAV advocated for his immediate release.

Ka Bel may not be a war veteran but he is a consummate veteran working class fighter for the Filipino people. He is a champion of the international proletariat,.

We in JFAV salutes him for his greatness and fortitude!

JFAV Steering Committee
Los Angeles, CA
May 20, 2008