I was about to write something about a new village I discovered in the mountainous plains of Ternate, Cavite until I received a shocking news. Anakpawis Party representative Crispin Beltran or known to many as Ka Bel, was pronounced dead at around 11:50 this morning.
Ka Bel, known for being a prominent fighter of corruption and weak governance, suffered multiple cardiac arrest after falling from the roof of his house in Bulacan while trying to repair it. The Anakpawis representative is known for his simple lifestyle. Even when he is already a representative in the congress, he still commutes on public transports and do not hire bodyguards. He is also known to plant vegetables in his backyard in his humble Bulacan house.
I have been with Ka Bel when I was still in college. We marched with him in a protest rally during President Gloria Arroyo's SONA 2007 or the State of the Nation Address. I clearly remember how he would laugh with us and doesn't even care about his status. He believes he is voted by the people and thus his service is for the people and not for the state officials.
Ka Bel is best remembered during 2006-2007 where he was kept inside a hospital as a house arrest for rebellion against the state. He is a prominent critic of the president. He is said to be one of the major characters in the contemporary Filipino history.
Ka Bel even drew international press attention during his arrest. Local and international groups created the Free KaBel Movement - to ensure that Ka Bel will be freed. Fortunately, due to the mass call of the people, and for being questioned with morality, the government free Ka Bel last July 2007.
Nationwide mourning of his death is expected. Traditional wake and burial ceremonies by his family's request will be done.
May your soul find peace. You will always be remembered.
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