The Ilonggo Martyrs of Martial Law

The Ilonggo Martyrs of Martial Law

(DinggolAranetaDivinagracia - IlonggoNationMovement)

Prologue: “After Martial Law was declared on Sept. 21, 1972; sooo many of our “Kababayan” cowered in fear and mostly shouted "Alleluia", while many others sang to the tune of "Que sera, sera!" But a few young idealistic brave souls sacrificed their schooling, left the comforts of homes, armed themselves and went to the hills to fight the cruel and oppressive regime.” --dinggol.d~~~

A prelude to the declaration of Martial Law

During the decade of the 1960s, two (2) distinguished college Professors at the University of the Philippines (UP) -Diliman in Quezon City founded movements that would later change the course of Philippine history, namely: Jose Maria Sison and Nurullaji "Nur" Misuari.

The Kabataang Makabayan (KM)

On November 30, 1964, during Andres Bonifacio Day, U.P. Professor Jose Maria Sison established the KM or the Kabataang Makabayan, and as its founding Chairman, Sison emphasized the continuity of the Andres Bonifacio's Philippine Revolution of 1896. He even invited the famed Nationalist Senator Lorenzo M. Tañada who gave the closing speech at the KM's first-ever national congress and was honored as their consultant and honorary member.

The initial members of KM were mostly from the Students' Cultural Association of UP (SCAUP) in the University of the Philippines. Jose Maria Sison envisioned the youth group as revolutionaries who would later establish the Philippines as a country led by the working class instead of usual oligarchic politicians.

When Mr. Sison re-established the Communist Party of the Philippines in 1968 as a consequence of the dismal failure of the old “Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas”, the New People's Army (NPA) under Bernabe Buscayno with Nome-de-Guerre “Kumander Dante” --was organized as its military wing; the Kabataang Makabayan (KM) then became the NPA's youth arm. It was also one of the groups that later established the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

Mr. Jose Maria Sison authored and published two (2) books; the Struggle for National Democracy and the Movement for the Advancement of Nationalism (MAN). These books clearly explain the ills and maladies that confronts Filipino society, that was brought about by the continuous stranglehold of the U.S. imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism; the root causes and the solutions to benefit all, the present and the future generations. Obviously, the basic nationalistic tenor of the two (2) books, touched the patriotic fervor of many idealistic labor workers, peasants, students,and young professionals. As a matter of fact, the two books were considered the bible in the education of cadres and mass activists in the course of the First Quarter Storm of the 1970s.

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)

Likewise, in March of 1968, the alleged massacre of at least 23 Jabidah trainees on Corregidor island for the Sabah Mission sparked the Muslim rebellion in the south and gave birth to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founded by University of the Philippines (UP) Professor Nurullaji "Nur" Misuari of Jolo, Sulu in Mindanao.

The Declaration of Martial Law

As the country was at the brink of total anarchy, and Malacañang had to contend with both the left and the right of the political spectrum; likewise, with the ongoing Muslim rebellion in Mindanao, on September 21, 1972 President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos began the revolution from the center and declared martial law "Para sa Ikaunlad ng Bayan, Disciplina ang Kailangan" as he proudly announced --the birth of the "New Society".

Secretary of Defense Juan Ponce Enrile and AFP ViceChief of Staff General Fidel Ramos were then both tasked as the Administrator and the Implementer of the martial law regime, respectively.

The Light-a-Fire-Movement

During the early 1980s,a group of prominent people decided that violence was the only solution against "abuses" of the Martial Law --established a group known as the "Light-A-Fire Movement". In Metro Manila, the core groups operatives of the Light-A-Fire Movement based in the Philippines, were businessman Eduardo Olaguer, professor Gaston Ortigas of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and Ester Jimenez, mother of Jim Paredes (of the Apo Hiking Society fame). In the US, its members were Filipino exiles and Filipino-Americans, mostly unnamed but led mainly by Heherson Alvarez, Raul Daza, Bonifacio Gillego and Charles Avila, along with a naturalized American citizen, a Greek native, Steven Psinakis (husband of Precy Lopez of the ABS-CBN Lopez clan).

The Light-A-Fire Movement perpetrated many horrible acts of bombings in Metro Manila in the early 1980s, and blamed it all on the government. On September 12, 1980, bombs went off in Makati Commercial District, one badly damaging the huge Rustan's mall. The explosion at Rustan’s injured 70 people and killed an American tourist. On October 4, 1980, more blasts rocked the Philippine Plaza, Century Park Sheraton, and Manila Peninsula hotels, all in Metro Manila.

(Photo: Doris Nuval Baffrey)

On October 19, 1980, Doris Nuval Baffrey, a Filipina married to an American, detonated an explosive at the Phil. International Convention Center or (PICC) along Roxas Blvd.while President Ferdinand Marcos was addressing an international conference of the American Society of Travel Agents. Ms. Doris Nuval Baffrey and 15 other people were arrested in connection with the PICC bombing. They were all convicted and sentenced to die by electric chair in 1984. Fortunately for them, due to several postponements, they were later spared after the fall of the Marcos regime.

The Butchers in the military and their Safe-houses

Meanwhile, the dreaded butchers in the military intelligence group had their heydays in their safe-houses. They randomly arrest, torture, and even salvage many suspected political detractors; including many members of students, peasants, professionals, and labor activist groups who were opposed to Malacañang.

(Photo: Young PMA officers led by Gringo Honasan and by Red Kapunan)

This included some sectors in the military establishment led by the Philippine Military Academy or (PMA) young officers, who would later conscientiously turn around to advocate reforms in the AFP.

The young Ilonggo Martyrs of Martial Law

(L-R): John (Age 22) and his elder brother Edward Dela Fuente (Age 30)

At the height of the Marcos’ brutal reign in 1983, John Herbert Dela Fuente (22), a young Ilonggo student activist, was shot dead at close range while asleep at a relative’s house in Jaro, Iloilo City.

The local constabulary reported that the killing was the product of an “armed encounter” but people know he was really “salvaged” – executed for his activism and support to the fight against the tyranny of a dictator.

His elder brother, Edward Oliver L. Dela Fuente, a student of Central Philippine University (CPU) and a former editor-in-chief of the student publication Central Echo, wrote a poem entitled “Epilogue” to commemorate John’s death, swearing to live on and continue his fallen brother’s plight for the freedom of the country.

Edward and John were the sons of two leaders of the Baptist Church in Iloilo; Johnny and Lucy L. Dela Fuente. Both of them regularly attended church services, and the eldest Dela Fuente brother was also a former president of the National Baptist Youth of the Philippines.

On April 20, 1984, a Good Friday, Edward together with Antonio “Diore” Mijares and one still unidentified person were killed in the village of Unat, a few kilometers away from the town center of Ibajay, Aklan while serving at the remote poor community. The military said they died in an encounter with constabulary patrol.

However, eyewitnesses said Edward and his companions were captured alive, tormented and shot dead. The autopsy reports indicated they had been tortured.

“I thought my son Edward died of natural causes when we came to the morgue to identify his body,” recounted their mother Lucy L. Dela Fuente. “But then I noticed signs of torture: his bloody nails and fingers, bruises and scars, the mark of a boot print on his back, I was shocked and taken aback by the cruelty that Marcos’ soldiers had taken upon my son.”

The web archive of the Bantayog ng mga Bayani – where Edward Dela Fuente’s name is commemorated on the “Wall of Remembrance” – recalls the following exchange the older Dela Fuente brother had with his father, who later shared it after his son passed, once he decided to join the resistance against the Ferdinand Marcos regime:

“I believe that fighting the dictatorship is a noble cause and I would regret it if I don’t join,” he told his father.

“I also believe that it’s a noble cause,” his father replied. “But I do not want to be sending you to your death. I cannot give my permission.”

“Then I’m not asking for your permission,” Edward Dela Fuente replied. “You’ve merely been informed of my decision.”

Even before 1972, Edward Dela Fuente had already joined the Kabataang Makabayan (KM) chapter in CPU. When martial law was declared, he continued organizing clandestinely in school (where his mother was teaching), among students, faculty,and employees.

After taking leave of his family, Edward spent the next years among the poor people living in the central mountain ranges of Panay. He was “Ka Ponso” to them, a skilled negotiator and troubleshooter often sent to expansion areas to settle conflicts or to organize new groups against the dictatorship.

At Edward Dela Fuente’s wake at their residence in Jaro, hundreds of people came to pay their respects. Most of them were peasants from all over Panay. They told us how our son made an impact on their lives, said Lucy.

When it was time to take him to his final resting place four kilometers away, they – the masses Edward aided and helped organize – insisted on carrying his coffin on their shoulders.

A Close Family Friend Testimony

Margaret “Pitsik” Dominado, a family friend and former schoolmate of the Dela Fuente brothers – now a nurse based in Washington, D.C. – still regularly posts about the fallen Ilonggo sons, wanting their memory and sacrifice to live on.

“I grieved with mom Lucy and her family when her sons died. I knew her sons. Edward was an epitome of an intelligent leader. John was my ‘contemporary’ and dear friend. My memories of him were full of laughter,” she shared.

Dominado shares that she was just 13 years old when Martial Law was declared in 1972. She was in her early 20s during the untimely deaths of her friends Edward and John.

“I grieved for and with all the other mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, sisters, and brothers who bore the brunt of the cruelty of injustices and senseless violence perpetuated against [them] under [Marcos’] Martial Law.” She said.

“Each time the grief and sufferings under Marcos [is] negated or ridiculed, I feel a stabbing pain for all those who, like mommy Lucy, had carried the battle scars while surviving this dark side of Philippine history.”

Dominado believes the anniversary of Martial Law should be a day of remembering for the “comrades” who made immense sacrifices – including laying down their lives – to attain the freedom and justice we take for granted today.

“The Filipino people should never forget that the victory won during the EDSA Revolution of February 1986 – otherwise known as the People’s Power [revolution] – was not [possible] without the seeds of resistance planted by these comrades,” she continued.

“We must never leave their stories buried in unknown archives. Such examples of heroism and patriotism should be taught to the next generation and their stories retold to our children and our children’s children,” said Dominado.

Marcos was forced to leave the Philippines in 1986, a result of the very first unified and unparalleled People Power Movement, two years after the death of the dela Fuente brothers, proving that those who fought for what they believed in and those who paid with their life did not die in vain.

Epilogue: Edward and his brother John dela Fuente, the sons of my friends Johnny and Lucy indeed, did not die in vain. With sincere devotion, and firm determination they fought against all odds in their struggle against the martial rule.

We admire their sacrifices and their readiness even to die for the worthy cause they believed in. Yes! we are proud of them! And their memories shall never be forgotten by all freedom-loving Ilonggos wherever they may be! Kabay pa! --dinggolSDname~~~

(Main source: Various news report

 

The Royal Blood at the Iloilo City Waterfront

The Royal Blood at the Iloilo City Waterfront

(By DinggolAranetaDivinagracia - IlonggoNationMovement)

Prologue: “Iloilo City has one of the best, if not the best harbor in the world; according to Merchant Marines of their “Port-of-Call” --while their ships are docked along Muelle Loney or anchored by the Iloilo Strait, many decades ago.” --dinggol.d~~~

The Iloilo River Facilities

Iloilo City is endowed by mother nature with a clear navigable river right at the center of its activities. The long and winding waterway known as the “Iloilo River” --that traverse Iloilo City’s downtown area and Lapuz then a part of Iloilo City’s Lapaz District; where the VISTRANCO, and its dry dock subsidiary Iloilo Dock and Engineering Company (IDECO) were once-upon-a-time operational. Where the Panay Railways, Inc. offices and their employees residential complex, repair shops and its’ depot was once a happy and lively community. Yes! all of these are now gone!

Likewise, right across the wide Iloilo River conveniently located along the Muelle Loney we also used to see the busy loading or unloading terminals of many Inter-island freight, cargo and domestic passenger shipping lines, including the ferry and pump boats serving Jordan and Buenavista piers in Guimaras island.

Along the side was the Panay Railways transport system that reached as far as Roxas City in the Province of Capiz. After the long railroad or sea travel, the commuters could easily access in both the private and public transportation facilities with assistance from the uniform-wearing, courteous and well-disciplined stevedores or the reliable porters.

The familiar festive site was the much- awaited arrival of deep-sea fishing fleet, especially as nightfall up to the wee hours in the morning, where people rushed to buy some seafood cached at a bargain price for home consumption or just grilled nearby with beer-drinking buddies. Today, the action is at the modern Fishing Port that was constructed near the Tanza and Baluarte area in Molo.

The Iloilo Strait, a Haven for Shipping Anchorage

The huge tonnage of ocean-going vessels that many international shipping companies anchored by the Iloilo Strait, were assured of protection from the wrath of nature and other elements with a natural shield that the Guimaras island sub-province provides.

Unfortunately, what people see today in areas along Muelle Loney, are squatter colonies, and except for a few still usable, are remnants of old warehouses and the dilapidated buildings that stands as mute witnesses to the busy hustle and bustle of early trade and commerce; of the glory and splendor of the yesteryear that earned the “La muy leal y noble Ciudad de Iloilo” --the title as the “Queen City of the South”.

The Rise of the Royal Blood on the Waterfront

On June 11, 1914, a baby boy was born “with a mission” in Iloilo City, Philippines. His parents were the modest but upright couple named Jose Morales Espinosa and his wife Monica de la Paz Espinosa. The young boy was christened as Pascual with the nickname “Pascualing”. While studying at A. Montes Elementary School and at the Iloilo High School, Pascualing augmented his meager allowance by taking odd jobs as laborer at the waterfront and by selling newspapers. Likewise, Pascualing worked hard to assist in the needs of his five (5) younger brothers; Franco, Amalik, Deting, Moor, and Benny.

Pascualing Espinosa married the former Ramona Rojas, the daughter of Don Jose Rojas of the illustrious and politically influential clan of Ajuy, Iloilo. They were gifted with twelve (12) children namely: Pascual “Junie”, Jose “Hamy”, Chris “KC”, Jerome, Ramona, Antonio, Oscar “Oskit”, Jesus “Jing” the twins Estrella and Eva, Luz, and Victoria.

The bright young student from the waterfront of Iloilo City pursued his Law Degree at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City and became a full-fledged Lawyer. One of his classmates Enrique Fernando later became the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

During world war II, Pascualing Espinosa served as war-time Justice of the Peace, then later served as one of the Technical Assistant to Iloilo Governor Tomas Confesor. When the war ended, Pascualing served as Assistant Provincial Fiscal, and later as City Fiscal of Iloilo City. For his involvement in the labor sector, he rose as Vice President of Federacion Obrera de Filipinas (FOF).

In 1947 Atty. Pascual Espinosa, began his political career when he was appointed as Councilor of Iloilo City. On the same year, he broke his ties with the FOF labor group and accepted the leadership of the government-favored Trade Union, the “Consolidated Labor Union of the Philippines (CLUP)” based near Muelle Loney in Iloilo City. These two (2) Labor Unions became bitter rivals that resulted in violent armed confrontations.

In the 1949 national election, Pascualing of the Liberal Party won the congressional seat of the second district of Iloilo comprising; Iloilo City, and the Municipalities of Leganes and Pavia, also the Municipalities of Jordan, Buenavista and Nueva Valencia in the island sub-province of Guimaras. When he ran for re-election in 1953, he lost to the charismatic Timawa leader of Molo, Roding Ganzon. In the 1957 congressional election, he won again by a slim margin of votes against the Nationalista Party leading candidate Atty. Jose Cabangal Divinagracia.

It would be fair to add, that while Cong. Espinosa was in the August Hall of Congress, he was a pro-people legislator who championed the plight of the poor and lowly workers. He was the author of the Magna Carta of Labor or the Minimum Wage Law; thus, he was called "the Father of the Common Man of Labor". Likewise, he also authored Republic Act 875, otherwise known as the Industrial Peace Act, an act that provides equitable protection for both capital and labor in the industries. He authored the Woman and Child Labor Law or the Maternity Leave with Pay which, until now, is still being enjoyed by working mothers in the country.

The most significant role of Congressman Pascualing Espinosa in his career as labor leader was to secure the movement of his many fellow Ilonggos to Agana, Guam that was devastated during World War II, tasked with rebuilding the US base military facilities, and many other infrastructure projects. The U. S. Navy gave their contract of the project to Luzon Stevedoring Company, Inc. (LUSTEVECO). The local subsidiary in Iloilo City was the VISTRANCO's labor union, the Consolidated Labor Union of the Philippines (CLUP) headed by Congressman Pascualing Espinosa.

Thereafter, Espinosa was also instrumental in sending Filipino workers by the thousands, mostly from Iloilo City --in the islands of Manus, Saipan, and Tinian. His endeavor paved the way for the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Program, a novel project still in its infant stage at that time of the National Government.

The Impregnable Fiefdom on the Waterfront

The first generation of the Espinosa clan who lived together with their respective families within the compound of CLUP a.k.a. Espinosa compound near the Muelle Loney area were reportedly Bosses of the waterfront arrastre services in the decades of the 60’s and 70’s. Their hold was bolstered by the political power and influence of their eldest brother Cong. Pascual Espinosa. Thus, the family of the six (6) Espinosa brothers was dubbed as the “Royal Blood” of Iloilo City waterfront. They maintain a stronghold and ruled over their claimed area of jurisdiction, that government authorities and even law enforcers tiptoed as they approached the area.

As the first generation of Espinosa brothers, gradually went beyond the great divide, and while the others retired; their sons took over their share of the lucrative arrastre business at the local pier. The third generation Espinosa children, meanwhile, are poised to inherit the same trade.

The Fall of the Royal Blood on the Waterfront

At some time in the past, as squatters mushroomed around the area, Muelle Loney became synonymous to criminality, to robbery and killings when corpses were often fished-out from Iloilo river. As the news of the Iloilo port's notoriety reached major cities in the country, it discouraged the many prospective entrepreneurs and investors to open up business in Iloilo. Local passengers who are coming in from different parts of the Philippines feared of the port, since not only that these arrastres are rumored to do extortion to all shipping companies and businessmen, but also pickpockets and the almost daily daring hold-ups abound in the area. Many Iloilo born merchants fled the dying city.

The establishment of the Iloilo Integrated Arrastre Services Corporation (IlASCO); where some prominent old Shipping Companies, etc. were represented under the supervision of the Philippine Ports Authority, somehow eased the anxiety.

Eventually, in the early part of year 2000, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) took over the port operations.

The Deadly Family Feud

Every new years eve since way back when, the respective houses of the Espinosa brothers within the compound are filled with each family members, including in-laws for the grand celebration. An open court serves as common ground. Needless to say, beer and hard liquor flow to the maximum, while many long and short firearms are displayed ready to burst come 12:00 o’clock midnight for the loudest explosion.

However, in 1993 neighbors were surprised and alarmed of the premature continued thundering explosions expected for midnight. All Iloilo City radio stations “flash reports” --later announced that before midnight there was a commotion and gunfights inside the Espinosa compound. They confirmed that two (2) first cousins had an argument, shots were fired, pandemonium followed as both immediate family members concerned joined in the shootout.

Naturally, thereafter, ambulance and paramedics came to take the victims to the nearest emergency room, and police arrived to investigate after the gunsmoke was cleared. The final result later, sad to say, revealed six (6) fatalities; Oskit, the son, and two (2) grandsons of Pascualing, and three (3) sons of his brother Franco. Many other brothers, and cousins were seriously or slightly injured with gunshot wounds.

Ongoing Violent Family Feud

In 2002, Rodney Espinosa and Pascual Jesus “PJ” Espinosa were shot to death.

On June 1, 2010, at the Espinosa enclave near the waterfront area, Pascual “Toto E” Espinosa III, and his younger brother Leo (sons of Benny Espinosa) were wounded after they both traded bullets with “Jing-Jing” --the son of their first cousin Jesus “Jing” Espinosa, Sr. (son of Pascualing Espinosa)

Authorities have long speculated a power struggle for control of the waterfront district, particularly the arrastre and cargo handling services between clan members, resulting in violent murders over the years.

However, then PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas said it bluntly, that the feud started over who will take in control of the alleged illegal activities and economic operations in the Waterfront area of Iloilo City.

The war between the feuding Espinosa families could be traced back in the 1990s. The tension was temporarily eased up with the meddling of the Espinosa remaining patriarch Atty. Gerson “Deting” Espinosa, but when he passed away, it was a “Free for all”.

A Memorial for Congressman Pascual dela Paz Espinosa

On June 11, 2014 during the centennial birthday celebration of the great Ilonggo waterfront labor leader, the Iloilo City Council approved a resolution officially naming the newly constructed covered gymnasium in Barangay Monica-Blumenritt as the “Congressman Pascualing Espinosa Memorial Gymnasium”. The project was funded under the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Iloilo City lone district Representative Jerry P. Treñas.

The Dawn of a New Era

In recent years, the political kingpins of Iloilo City joined forces as one to set their acts together under the guidance of the “Numero uno” Ilonggo political “Godfather”, former Senate President Franklin M. Drilon. And with the ready blessings of Malacañang. They were: Congressman Jerry Perez Treñas, Mayor Jed Patrick Locsin-Escalante Mabilog and Vice-Mayor Jose “Joe III” Sanson Espinosa (Son of Mr. Moor Espinosa).

With the cooperation of the Iloilo City business community, the land owners, and residents of the City --the development of idle vacant lands and construction of many infra-structure projects, both vertical and horizontal, were rapidly realized.

Including the “walkers paradise” along both sides of Iloilo River going to the Muelle Loney and the favorite tourist destination the “Iloilo Esplanade” and the wide “Promenade Park”. A long Ilonggo dream come true.

Epilogue: “Many second, and even third generation of the Espinosa family members on the waterfront are career professionals. They represent varied professions, and many are relatively successful in the respective fields of endeavor.

However, as in any other family, there are always “black sheep of the family” as the saying goes. Thus, they say that you can always choose your friends, but not your relatives.” sabi dah! --dinggolSDname~~~

(N.b: Credit to Nereo Cajilig Lujan for the headline photo)

35

The Forgotten “Great” Ilonggo Labor Leader

The Forgotten “Great” Ilonggo Labor Leader

(By DinggolAranetaDivinagracia - IlonggoNationMovement)

Prologue: “To his comrade-in-arms during their guerrilla warfare in the mountains of Panay against the Japanese Imperial Army, he was the courageous leader; to many exploited lowly laborers in the waterfronts and in the sugar industry and manufacturing companies in the Visayas and in Mindanao, he was the savior.

However, to corporate greed in the big businesses and the corrupt politicians, he was the “Kontrabida”. Was he a hero, a true patriot, and a sincere labor leader, or was he really a social demagogue?” --dinggol.d~~~

Family Background:

Jose Maria Nava was born in Iloilo City on July 31, 1892, to Don Mariano Legaspi Nava and Dña. Estefa Nuñal y Carrera de Nava of Iloilo City. --He was first married to Adela Sevilla Carañeta of Pulupandan, Negros Occidental with whom he had eleven ((11) children, namely; Leon, Ricardo, Julieta, Flavio, Benjamin, Valentin, Sigfredo, Esperanza, Adela, Jose Maria, and Napoleon a.k.a. Batotoy. Sometime in 1934, five (5) years after he became a widower, he remarried to Adelina Aldeguer of La Carlota in Negros Occidental. They have eight (8) children, namely; Lohengrin (Cid), Mario (Tobin), Josef, Sumakwel (Makwel), Jose Ma. (Baby), a daughter Libertad, Franklin (Voodoo), and Jonathan (Toto Tambok).

Educational Background:

Aside from his serious home self-studies, he also attended a public Elementary School, and an Iloilo High School -for his secondary education, and also at the Iloilo Normal School, all in the City of Iloilo, Philippines.

The Arts, Theatrical, Journalistic, Sports and Political Endeavor:

Even at a young age, Nava already showed his loved for the arts, drama, and music by attending private lessons. He also engaged much of his time reading Spanish and American novels. Later, he decided to pursue a career in arts and was enrolled in painting at the School of Fine Arts in Manila. He was so fascinated with literature that he even wrote several notable dramas before returning to Iloilo City in 1914.

Apart from arts and theater, he began a career in editorial in 1915 when he served as a correspondent for the “El Tiempo” a local Spanish paper. At the same time, he was also the editor and publisher of the vernacular paper “ Tingog sang Banwa”. Later he became editor-publisher of “El Tiempo” until it was closed down in 1922. Thereafter, Nava founded and became the publisher of Iloilo’s two sister newspapers, the “Prensa Libre” a Spanish daily, and the “Landasan” a weekly issue in the vernacular.

In the year 1922, he won the shooting championship and was given medal as a “sharpshooter” by the Philippine Rifle and Pistol Association and by the War Department of the U.S.A. He founded the first shooting club in Iloilo; the “Sociedad de Tiro al Blanco de Iloilo.

Jose Ma. Nava dedicated long years of his life to the arts and theater but major setbacks at the peak of his career ended his theatrical profession. He tried his luck in local politics and won twice in Iloilo’s Municipal council. Although he did not fair-well in the field of politics, he gained many successes as a newspaper editor for his daring expose’ and his fearless campaign against vices and corruption in the government.

The Labor Movement in the Philippines

When Jose Ma. Nava reunited with his close Iloilo childhood friend Vicente Ybiernas, they organized --the first labor organization in Iloilo City, the Union Obrera de Iloilo in the year 1917.

In 1928, a work-related accident blinded an eye of a worker of Visayan Stevedoring Company (VSC) in Lapuz of Lapaz district in Iloilo City. The worker was able to successfully claim just compensation from VSC through the help of Jose Ma. Nava “Gratis et Amore”.

Thereafter, on July 31, 1928, a group of laborers and peasant workers from the district petitioned Nava to organize a labor union. And right on that same day, the low-profile Union Obrera de Iloilo (UOI) evolved into the Federacion Obrera de Filipinas (FOF), that eventually became to be the largest trade union in the Philippines.

Nava gained distinction for leading one of the largest strikes in the history of the country’s labor movement and as an active journalist stirred the workers’ and peasants’ clamor for improvement of their conditions through labor unions.

The FOF as a labor group introduced itself in the industrial arena when it organized a major strike in 1930 involving some 3000 stevedores. He also organized strikes at sugar plantations and mills in Negros. In 1939, he was elected the National Chairman of the Collective Labor Movement (CLM) the biggest organization of labor before the outbreak of the war.

The Outbreak of World War II:

During the Japanese occupation, after he contacted Army Major Quimbo and Gen. Bradford Chynoweth, the local commander of the USAFFE, Jose Ma. Nava was outright commissioned as Captain of the USAFFE and become the Chief of the Propaganda Unit and Intelligence Unit under Gen. Macario Peralta, Panay Island Commanding General. His 8 sons and daughters were, likewise, all commissioned in the USAFFE as captains, lieutenants, and privates.

After the fall of Bataan, and USAFFE surrendered to Japan, many of his friends collaborated with the Japanese regime. While Nava, his family, and many FOF members remained loyal to Uncle Sam --in the hinterlands of Panay as Ilonggo guerrilla fighters until the end of the Japanese-American war.

The Post War Era Politics:

On July 4, 1946, Philippine independence was granted by the United States to the war-weary Filipino people on a silver platter with strings attached. While many rejoiced, patriotic leaders of labor and peasant organizations who triumphantly fought the Japanese during the war, especially the “Hukbong ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon” or the HUKBALAHAPS were all vehemently opposed to the Bell Trade Act, the Parity clause for Amendment to the Constitution, and the Military Bases Agreement in exchange for US rehabilitation funding. They believed these as an inexcusable surrender of our national sovereignty.

To secure the majority votes necessary to pass the amendment, President Manuel A. Roxas arranged for the six (6) duly elected members of Congress in 1946 led by Luis Taruc who belong to the opposition party, Democratic Alliance (DA) under Sergio Osmeña, Sr. ejected from their offices by the Commission on Elections on the grounds that they had been committing election fraud and terrorism.

The Collective Labor Movement (CLM) and CLUP

Seven years earlier, on June 29, 1939,at the Manila Grand Opera House, a total of seventy-six (76) labor organizations held a National Convention.

After due deliberation, a resolution creating the Collective Labor Movement (CLM) was approved. A Presidium was formed and the affiliated unions signed a pact to the effect that they would, among other things, stick together through thick and thin.

Elected to the Presidium were: Jose Maria Nava (National Chairman), Isabelo Tejada, Pedro Abad Santos, Mateo del Castillo, Juan Feleo, Luis Taruc, Pedro Castro, Antonio Paguia, Manuel Palacios, Manuel Joven, Mariano Ponce, Florentino Tecson, Mariano Balgos, Rufo Covacha, Luis Pilapil, Luis Adriano, and Guillermo Capadocia as Secretary General.

FOF President, and former CLM National Chairman Jose Ma. Nava allied himself with his pro-worker, pro-peasant, and pro-people group to the consternation of his personal, professional and political detractors.

In 1947 Atty. Pascual “Pascualing” Espinosa, a former vice president of Federacion Obrera de Filipinas (FOF), broke his ties with the FOF group and accepted the leadership of the government-favored “Consolidated Labor Union of the Philippines (CLUP)” based near Muelle Loney in Iloilo City. The two (2) labor unions, the rightest and the leftist became bitter rivals that resulted in violent armed confrontations.

The Twilight Years and the Last Hurrah!

Meanwhile, in 1951, government Militia filed a case against Jose Ma. Nava for his involvement in the 1950 murder of an alleged under-cover government agent. Likewise, he was also linked to the rebellion case of his sons; Ricardo, Flavio a.k.a. “Ugat”, and Napoleon a.k.a. “Batotoy”, and his son-in-law Alfredo Palmejar a.k.a. “Ibarra”; together with his co-labor leader Guillermo Capadocia a.k.a. “Juan Bantiling”, et al. As more violence erupted, Constabulary troops were ordered to secure in detention the then already weak Jose Ma. Nava, and his co-accused at the Iloilo provincial jail on charges of subversion in 1951.

During the trial in the lower court, two of the accused in “absentia”, namely, Guillermo Capadocia the top leader of the Communist movement in Panay was killed in punitive expeditions of the armed forces. And Paterno Patrimonio a.k.a. “Kulafu” leader of the dreaded bandits who plunder and rape, brutally kill and burn huts of even simple farmers along their path.

In April 1952, the Iloilo Regional Trial Court Judge Magno Gatmaitan found him guilty of the accusation and sentenced Jose Ma. Nava to death. After conviction, he was transferred to the Muntinlupa Bilibid Prison (together with son Flavio) where he spent his remaining years writing and reflecting. His poor health condition suffered due to imprisonment and his real estate properties were sold at a bargain because of the lengthy trial.

(Photo of the funeral entourage along Calle Real during Jose Ma. Nava interment in the City of Iloilo)

While waiting for the final judgment of the Supreme Court on his appeal, Jose Ma. Nava died from heart disease on January 14, 1954, at the Manila Sanitarium while on a hospital leave from the Muntinlupa Bilibid Prison.

Thirteen (13) years after the guilty verdict was rendered by the Iloilo lower court, the Supreme Court of the Philippines found the accused innocent beyond reasonable doubt and dismissed the subversion and criminal cases filed against Ilonggo labor leader Jose Ma. Nava and his family.

Accolade from the President of the United States of America

After almost sixty (60) years since the end of world war II, the 42nd US President William “Bill” Jefferson Clinton sent an acknowledgement to the loyal and devoted USAFFEE Captain Jose Maria Nava for his sincere service to the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

Too late the hero, “Better late than never, but better never late” as the saying goes! ~~~

Epilogue: “As a growing kid from age 5 to 10 years old living at No. 19 Valeria Street in Iloilo City, whose family were good neighbors and close friends of the Nava’s, this writer is a living witness to the rise and fall of the greatest Ilonggo labor leader of them all, Don Jose Maria Nava, Sr.

I vividly recall, thousands of serious-faced lowly laborers and peasant workers on parade along Calle Valeria with FOF streamers and red banners, shouting on top of their voice in unison; “Handa kami kon kami ang may pana!” --dinggolSDname~~~

(Nota bene: Salamat! to Jose Marte Nava for some of the precious family photos and info) ~~~

34

The Enterprising French Brothers in the City of Iloilo , Philippines

The Enterprising French Brothers in the City of Iloilo, Philippines

(By DinggolAranetaDivinagracia - IlonggoNationMovement)

Prologue: “Sometime in 1873 three Frenchmen established the widely successful merchandising enterprise “La Estrella del Norte” along Calle Real in Iloilo City, Philippines. The three (3) brothers were sons of Jewish parents Nathan dit Moise and Louise Levy, namely; Adolphe Blum Levy, the eldest and his two brothers Charles and Raphael. They sold jewelry, and trinkets, Swiss-made wristwatches; Gramophones and fine perfumes; imported clothing and many other novelty items.” --dinggol.d~~~

(Photo of Adolphe Blum Levy, 1849-1888)

The arrival of the Levy brothers:

The three brothers arrived in Iloilo City from the French region of Alsace-Lorraine by way of San Francisco, fleeing the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. They brought with them a stash of precious diamonds, and five (5) crates of religious icons, medals, gold chains, and many gilt eyeglass frames that they were unable to sell in California but were quite popular by then in the Philippines.

Their business venture became extremely successful that the brothers opened branches in Escolta-Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, New York, and in Paris, France. Later, they expanded into watchmaking, the distribution of pharmaceuticals, the bicycles and then ultimately automobiles dealership and cargo shipping under the new business trade name of Levy Hermanos.

Adolphe Blum Levy married Benita Enríquez of Iloilo with whom he had a son named Francisco Enriquez Levy.

While his brother's families eventually returned home to the United States and France, Adolphe's descendants stayed in the Philippines after his death in Manila of Cholera on June 13, 1888. A close relative, Charles Weil, took over management of the Levy Hermanos business after Adolphe’s demised.

The U.S. Invasion of Iloilo:

The U.S. invasion of Iloilo headed by Gen. Marcus Miller began on February 7, 1899 --with the continuous naval bombardment of Iloilo City for about a week that brought total irreparable damages and demolished the historic “Fort San Pedro“ citadel. A week later, the American troops led by Gen. Robert Hughes landed at Fort San Pedro, and stormed the city where many villages were razed to the ground and hundreds of innocent civilians were brutally killed.

Just like all other City residents and businesses, La Estrella del Norte lost a substantial amount worth of properties and assets equivalent to multi-million US Dollars today during the conflagration.

On February 22, 1899 Iloilo City fell to the American forces and there was relative peace. Hence, La Estrella del Norte (LEDN) resumed its normal operation in Iloilo City during the American regime..

Villar, A Trusted LEDN Employee: 
One of the trusted bookkeepers of La Estrella del Norte was an unassuming man named Catalino Villar of Tanza in Iloilo City who married Vicenta Montalban of Cabatuan in Iloilo. The couple had eight (8) children, the eldest of whom was named Manuel a.k.a. "Maning" who was married to Curita Bamba of Orani, Bataan.

Manuel, an inspector for the Bureau of Fisheries, and his wife Curita, a wholesale fish dealer settled in Tondo, Manila where they raised their nine (9) children, selling seafood in the Divisoria area.

Their second child was Manuel “Manny” Villar, Jr., a bright and resourceful young man with business acumen who would eventually marry the former Ms. Cynthia Ampaya Aguilar who belongs to the wealthy and politically influential Las Piñas-Muntinlupa family in Metro Manila. (Last mid-term Senatorial election Cynthia Aguilar-Villar was the Number one winner).

Likewise, the two daughters of Manuel Montalban Villar, Sr. married the two (2) sons of Jose "Pakloy" Divinagracia of Dumangas in Iloilo; Jessie Divinagracia married to the eldest Odette Villar, while his brother Paolit (Paolo) Divinagracia also married Odette's younger sister. Both are the sisters of Manuel "Manny" Villar, Jr. who served as Senate President of the Philippines for quite sometime.

The Sonora Sisters of Bacolod City: 
Meanwhile, Adolphe Blum Levy’s son Francisco Enriquez Levy married Luisa Gallo of Iloilo and their children were Purificacion, Ramon, Alfredo, Vicente, Nestor, Luisa, Carmen, Rosendo and Francisco Jr.

Their eldest child, Purificacion married Dr. Jesus Sonora of Bacolod City who belongs to the Locsin Clan of the Negros branch. They were blessed with two (2) beautiful daughters; Jesusa Purificacion Sonora, a.k.a. Susan Roces and Rosa Maria Sonora, a.k.a Rosemarie Sonora.

The former movie actress Rosemarie Sonora and her estranged husband Jesse Cruz also known as actor Ricky Belmonte has a daughter named Ms. Sheryl Cruz, also a movie actress.

While the former celebrity movie actress Susan Roces who married Ronald Allan Kelley Poe; dubbed as “Ang Panday” and the “King of Filipino movies” as Fernando Poe, Jr. (FPJ) are the legally adoptive parents of a foundling, an infant girl who was found at the Jaro Cathedral in Iloilo City and was christened as Mary Grace Poe. The couple's "Divine Grace" who grew up in Manila, married Neil Llamanzares at age 22 and immigrated to the U.S.A. to raise their family. However, after the demise of “The King” she returned to the Philippines with a purpose --to carry on the failed political dream of FPJ. She won in her first attempt inside the political arena topping the senatorial slate. Thereafter, she was one of the unsuccessful candidate for the Presidency during the last 2016 national election.

The Frenchman Adolphe Blum Levy who ventured in Iloilo City 146 years ago, and established “La Estrella del Norte” or the Star of the North, left shining stars from the south of the Philippines. In the Silver Screen, a direct descendant, the teenage movie idol of the yesteryear’s “Susan Roces” with her adopted daughter Grace Poe. And indirectly, from loyal employee Catalino, with his grandson Manuel “Manny” Villar, Jr. who is still shining bright in the political firmament of the country today.

(Former Senator Manuel“Manny”Villar, Jr.)

(Senator Grace Poe Llamanzares)



Epilogue: “Interestingly, many believe that in the very near future, one of these “shining stars” is destined by fate to enter the halls of Malacañang. Shall it be the Moneyed-Guy who styled himself with his “from rags to riches” fame; or the foundling who projects herself as the “epitome of sweet innocence” always wearing an immaculate white attire?

May the best one wins! ... Padayon! --dinggolSDname~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~ oo0oo ~~~~~~~~~~~~