This story
was taken from Bulatlat, the Philippines's alternative weekly
newsmagazine (www.bulatlat.com, www.bulatlat.net, www.bulatlat.org).
Vol. V, No. 44, December
11-17, 2005
Homage to a Fallen
Comrade A
human rights advocate, genuine union leader and peasant organizer. Written on a
piece of cardboard, the words caught the eyes of visitors arriving at the home
of murdered activist Albert Terradaño in Tayum, Abra. And they learned what the
words meant when they spoke with his family, friends and comrades.
By Kim Quitasol A human rights advocate,
true union leader and peasant organizer. Written on a piece of cardboard, the
words caught the eyes of visitors arriving at the home of murdered activist
Albert Terradaño in Tayum, Abra (408 kms. north of Manila). And they learned
what the words meant when they spoke with his family, friends and comrades. Persevering lad Albert was born to a humble
peasant home in Tayum, Abra. His parents could not send him to college but he
did not lose hope. He worked as a convent boy until he graduated. “Albert was a simple
person, a hard working student. He has a plan for his life,” an old friend
described him in Ilocano. His older brother Elmo said
added that even when Albert was based in Bangued, the capital town a few
kilometers from Tayum, he would return home on Saturdays to help in the fields
and house chores. “He even saved some of his
salary to augment the family income,” Elmo said. Albert was also a loving
husband and patient father, said his family. “I have nothing against
him. He was an uncomplaining, patient and loving husband. He guided me through
hardships,” Albina, Albert’s teary-eyed widow, said. “There were times that I
complained and he juggled his time for me, our children and his work, and
fighting for his cause,” she added. Albert’s eldest, Arnold
John, narrated while tears welled and voice cracked, “He was a good father. He
helped us with our assignments. He was a patient father.” “Hindi hiwalay ang
pag-ibig niya (Albert) sa bayan sa pag-ibig niya sa kanyang mga anak, asawa at
kapamilya. Prisipyado, disiplinado at organisado,”
(His love for country and for his family are not separate. He is principled,
disciplined and organized) one of his friends declared. A man of principle Albina disclosed that
Albert is willing to help everyone, not waiting for anything in return.
She said that in the early
years of their married life, Albert served as a public school teacher at a
school in a remote village called Baay Licuan despite the meager salary. He
wanted to help the residents who were deprived of social services such as
education. “He had to cross a river
and climb a mountain before he could reach the barrio. But when our children
were already growing up and the expenses were increasing, he was forced to look
for a better paying job here (Bangued) to feed us. He ended up at DAR
(Department of Agrarian Reform),” she said. Even when he was already
earning well, Albert continued to work for the advancement of the rights and
welfare of peasants and workers.
He was also president of
the Department of Agrarian Reform Employees Association (DAREA) and a volunteer
staff of the Indigenous Peoples’ Legal Center (Dinteg). He was also a former
staff of the human rights group Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP)-Abra. Balucas stressed that
Albert’s dedication to the rights and welfare of the oppressed is incomparable.
“He continued to serve them despite the threats to his life. He is a martyr and
deserves only the highest tribute,” he added. Northern
Dispatch/Posted by Bulatlat © 2005 Bulatlat
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Northern Dispatch
Posted by Bulatlat