Tribute to Dan Campilan, Journalist and Activist*

Before becoming a reporter for GMA 7, Dan Campilan was a member of the League of Filipino Students (LFS) in Cebu. He believed and upheld the principles and ideals of genuine freedom and democracy and could identify with the plight of the poor. His background as an activist served him well as a journalist because his reporting genuinely reflected the situation of the poor and oppressed.

BY RENATO M. REYES, JR.
Posted by Bulatlat 

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan or New Patriotic Alliance) conveys its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of comrade Dan Campilan, TV journalist and activist.  

Before becoming a reporter for GMA 7, Dan Campilan was a member of the League of Filipino Students (LFS) in Cebu. He believed and upheld the principles and ideals of genuine freedom and democracy and could identify with the plight of the poor. He worked closely with the likes of Marvin Marquez, the martyred leader of Anakbayan-Cebu.  

His background as an activist served him well as a journalist because his reporting genuinely reflected the situation of the poor and oppressed.

We remember Dan for covering major rallies and mobilizations this year such as the State of the Nation Address and the Sept. 21 protest against political killings. He was conscientious in his coverage of rallies, paying attention to speeches and not minding the difficulties of rain, long marches and even violent dispersals by the police. It was at the Sept. 21 rally that we last saw Dan.  

In one June rally going to Mendiola, he said he was almost moved to tears by the speeches and actions of the marchers from the provinces who were fighting political repression and militarization. He said it was sometimes difficult for him to cover rallies because he could always relate to the speeches and presentations and that these agitated him even more. Yet he enjoyed being there covering the action, almost even marching together with the other protesters, be it from the University of the Philippines (UP) to Commonwealth Avenue, España to Mendiola, or Alabang to Liwasang Bonifacio.  

We will surely miss Dan Campilan. His untimely death is a great loss for the broadcast industry as well as the people’s movement he belonged to and covered with great interest.  

Again our heartfelt salute to our comrade, friend and reporter for the people, Dan Campilan. May his example inspire others to continue his unfinished work as journalist and activist. Posted by Bulatlat

*Dan Campilan died in a vehicular accident near the border of Quezon City and Bulacan early morning of Oct. 7

Renato M. Reyes, Jr. is secretary-general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan 

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