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
Northern Dispatch
Posted by Bulatlat

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.

Fellow Arnel Balucas said that Albert helped in the formation of progressive organizations in Tayum and Bangued. This includes the Organisasyon Dagiti Nakurapay nga Umili ti Sitios (Ornus or Organization of the Poor from the Sitios of Abra), Tignayan dagiti Mannalon ti San Quintin (Movement of Peasants from San Quintin, Abra), Kakailian Salakniban Tay’ amin a Nagtaudan (Kastan or Fellow Villagemates Protect Our Ancestral Lands), and the local chapter of Confederation for Unity Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (Courage).

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

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