When they murdered you in your sleep, it woke up even more people to the cause you fought for: a just and lasting peace, genuine freedom, democracy and prosperity to the Filipino people. To the very end, Felix Randy Malayao was a revolutionary and exemplary son of the people.
From the outpouring of rage, grief and condemnation following his brazen killing, we can see a life of service to others that Randy lived.
We see a multifaceted man with the core of a revolutionary – an exceptional student, a youth leader, excellent writer-journalist, scientist, peasant and worker organizer, fraternity brother, almost-chef, prison basketball tournament organizer, teacher to fellow inmates, jail cell“mayor” and even “adviser” to the jail warden, political prisoner, torture victim, internationalistand a warrior for peace and justice.
As a consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) Negotiating Panel for the peace talks and its Reciprocal Working Group on Political and Constitutional Reforms (RWG-PCR), Randy showed sharpness of grasp of the condition of the people, political acumen honed by revolutionary work, and enthusiasm to the work that marked how he performed every task given to him in the revolutionary movement.
Randy was methodical, patient and a superb organizer who easily adapted to whatever task, wherever it was – organizing a student conference, blooming in jail, and working as an NDFP consultant.
From his student days when he led the formation of progressive student groups and encouraged student publications to the folds of progressive journalism, to his organizing years in northern Philippines, Randy was highly-regarded by the people he met and worked with.
Even the fascism of the State and the bars of jails in Cagayan and Isabela could not contain his determination to continue to be of service to the people. He was abducted in May 2008 and tortured for days before being surfaced then charged with multiple criminal cases. After years in prison, he was eventually acquitted and freed.
His stories while in prison are now legends. He was generous to his fellows in jail – be it in sharing resources he received from families and friends, or imparting his knowledge to them. The initiatives he started and organized including literacy programs, gardening and team- building friendly tournaments were deeply appreciated by everyone.
As a consultant of the NDFP Negotiating Panel for the peace talks and its Reciprocal Working Group on Political and Constitutional Reforms (RWG-PCR), Randy showed sharpness of grasp of the condition of the people and enthusiasm to the work that marked how he performed every task given to him in the revolutionary movement.
As an NDFP consultant, Randy went all over the Philippines and also overseas for consultations and education. He endeared himself to many from all walks of life.
For all he was and all he accomplished, Randy was humble, self-critical and ever aiming to improve his work and those around him.
Those who knew him for decades said that Randy’s favourite song was “You’ve Got to Do More than That” that he first heard in an international gathering of students. He did not only give more, he gave it all.
Randy once said in an interview: bloom where you are planted. Indeed, Randy, wherever the revolution took you, you bloomed and made many people around you bloom, as well. Soon, the enemies of the people will tremble at the beautiful sight of a revolution in full bloom that you helped tender and grow.
You are a martyr, a hero whom the enemies could not face awake. They are cowards as they could only traitorously murder the likes of you – civilians, activists and non-combatants – — but cower from the true people’s army and the armed revolution raging in the countryside.
Ka Randy, you shall forever be extolled in our people’s struggle until victory!Long live your memories! Mabuhay ka!
For the Negotiating Panel
National Democratic Front of the Philippines
NDFP Negotiating Panel Chairperson
Fidel V. Agcaoili
NDFP Negotiating Panel members
Julie de Lima
Coni Ledesma
Benito Tiamzon
Asterio Palima
NDFP Senior Adviser
Luis Jalandoni
NDFP Chief Political Consultant
Prof. Jose Maria Sison
Consultants
Staff
https://www.ndfp.org/tribute-to-comrade-felix-randy-malayao/
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