Youth activists march for ‘Ka Roger’

Youth activists, carrying red flags, march in Manila to mourn Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal, spokesman of the Communist Party of the Philippines, who died of a heart attack in June. Jamie Marie Elona

MANILA, Philippines – Around 50 youth activists in red shirts marched in Manila Saturday to mourn Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal, the former spokesman of the Communist Party of the Philippines, who died in June.

Militants from the Revolutionary Youth Kabataang Mamamayan (KM) staged the 30-minute march from Recto to Carriedo with placards and streamers honoring the communist leader and flags of the New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front flag.

KM spokesperson Maria Guerrero said “Ka Roger has served as a beacon of light to millions of Filipino Youths and people who are crushed by the feeling of helplessness and widespread poverty and misery in our country today.”

In a separate rally, the Bayan-NCR group, also in red shirts, gathered along Chino Roses Bridge in Mendiola chanting praises for Ka Roger while carrying a 9×4 feet mural of the late revolutionary.

Paulo Quiza of the Bayan-NCR said Rosal’s life must be emulated by the young generation by taking on the people’s democratic interests.