(UPDATE 2) Beltran’s body lies in state at Aglipayan church
Labor leader to be taken to hometown
By Abigail Kwok
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 12:14:00 05/21/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- It was a night of accolades and prayers as grieving family, friends and colleagues of Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran gathered at Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI, Philippine Independent Church) along Taft Avenue in Manila Wednesday.
Beltran’s body arrived around 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Aglipayan church where about 100 desolate leftwing activists gathered to pay their last respect to the former labor leader.
At 8 p.m., a mass was said for the “Grand Old Man of the Philippine Labor,” said Kilusang Mayo Uno (May One Movement, KMU) spokesman Presto Suyat.
Beltran, who led the KMU before joining Congress as a party list representative in 2001, died Tuesday from head injuries after falling from a ladder while fixing a roof leak at his house in Bulacan.
The militant tradition of the Aglipayan church made it a fitting venue for the funeral vigil, said Suyat, adding Beltran’s body will lie in state there until Sunday.
“The Aglipayan church has a militant tradition and history and it played a big role in the formation of the labor movement in the Philippines,” he said.
The bereaved family of Beltran was emotional throughout the evening, holding back tears as messages of condolence came pouring in.
A huge portrait of the late congressman was unveiled as a gift to his family.
“KMU is lucky to have had a leader in the form of Ka Bel,” Suyat said.
Other personalities present were Senator Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal, KMU Chairman Elmer Labog, Jesus in Lord leader Brother Eddie Villanueva, and Josie Lichauco.
Anakpawis secretary general Cherry Clemente said at a press conference earlier Wednesday that they were finalizing the funeral arrangements for Beltran.
Clemente said on Monday, Beltran’s remains will be taken to his hometown of Bacacay, Albay.
Depending on whether Beltran will be buried or cremated, his remains will be brought to the House of Representatives in Quezon City on Tuesday or Wednesday.
But if he is cremated, Clemente said Beltran would be taken to the House on Wednesday and then cremated, after which his ashes would be brought home to Bulacan.
Clemente said they would have the final details for Beltran’s funeral by Wednesday evening.
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