It was in July 1966 that I joined and worked with Agence France Presse (French News Agency), an International News Agency’s Manila Bureau. During that time in the Philippines, there were four international news agencies , providing national, regional and world news to Asia – United Press International (UPI), Associated Press (AP) both from the United States, Reuters from Great Britain and Agence France Presse (AFP), from France.
These four International News Agencies, all operating in the US and Europe, has great power. They helped greatly in building the world and people to what the thought are good, even if it will work bad for the many. These four International news agencies controlled the worlds public opinions.
That time, I have limited training on news writing works. We were best in Proof Reading jobs. But with almost zero experience in News Editing job. And I am not good in English. Writing was always a struggle and hard work for me. I’m working as Proof Reader of the Philippines Herald. It was the oldest newspaper in the country. It was one of the newspapers closed by President Ferdinand Marcos when he declared martial law in September 1972. Other national newspapers- The Manila Times, Manila Chronicles, Manila Bulletin and Philippine Evening News, re-opened and published again. But Philippines Herald decided to close forever.
While doing Proof Reading works, I was always invited by other Page Editors to assist them, when their assistant was on vacation leave or other works. They asked Mr. Bote Bautista to allow me to assist the other Pages Editors - the Business page Editor, Travel page editor, Foreign News Editor, Sports Editor. I was never invited to assist the Women's page Editor. I enjoyed my work as Proof Reader, and always invited by the other pages editors to assist them I was also given extra fee.
While doing proof reading works, a friend who works with Agence France Presse, Ed Magtoto visited me. We had a good conversations. Then he said, "Rudy, there is vacancy at Agence France Presse. Only one vacancy. We are looking for another News Editor. Kid Tatad, the Senior Editor has resigned two days ago. Mr. Vincent Lateve asked me to find someone to replace him. I have not told yet anyone of the opening. If you want, you apply tomorrow. Bring all your needed documents."
"If you would like to apply, come to the office tomorrow at 11:00 AM. I will introduce you to the manager." The job was news editing. I thought, the job offered was much better than proofreading. He told me, aside from news editing, I will have more opportunity to cover news, news for international audience.
I prayed for God's guidance. The following day, I went to the Office of Agence France Presse (AFP). with my application letter and other needed documents. Agence France Presse office was at the Ground Floor of the Manila Chronicle building, in Intramuros. Chronicle was owned by the Lopez family..
Fernando Lopez was active political leader He served as Senator and this time, Vice President of the country. Every national and local elections, the Chronicles Printing Press was busy producing elections propaganda materials, including Sample Ballots for distribution during election campaigns.
At Agence France Presse (French News Agency) that morning, I was introduced by Mr. Magtoto to Mr. Vincent Lateve. He was a toll, middle aged Frenchman. He came to Manila as Correspondent of AFP. He took the place of Teodoro (Teddy) Benigno, AFP Manager, who went to Paris on scholarship. After he returned, Teddy Benigno was appointed Press Secretary by President Cory Aquino.
I have a pleasant conversation with Mr. Lative. He accepted me as the newest editor of AFP. One thing I remembered of him. After some discussion during my interview, he said, “You have a good voice. It will be important when you make interviews”. I smiled and extended my hands for a handshake. I remembered his words. ”You have a good voice.” I thought my practice of deep breathing paid off. For I have a squeaky and effeminate voice when I was younger. Then, he referred me to Mrs. Trinidad, Assistant Manager to give me further instructions and details of my work.
Mrs. Trinidad gave me needed instructions. She gave me information of the other AFP News Editors. Their time and assignments. She said, if possible I must start work in three days. I am really needed. I immediately resigned from the Philippines Herald. Three days later, I was already with Agence France Presse. And started my work as News Editor.
I feel I cannot believed my luck. I am now News Editor of an International News Agency. Soon, I will be assigned to interview top people in government, diplomats and politicians. What, if I did not decide to study in high school. Or, if I did not pushed myself hard to study in college as work student -scrubbing 2 rooms at Valentines Hall or later washing dishes of student interns at Weston Hall? A new opportunity has opened. I thanked God for his help and guidance.
We were seven AFP staff. Mr. Vincent Lateve, International Correspondent and Manager. Mrs. Trinidad, Assistant Manager and in charge for Philippine Features write-ups for national and international release. Ruben Alabastro, Senior Editor and Assistant Correspondent, Edgar Sibal, Assistant News Editor, Mr. Ed Magtoto, News Editor and of course now, Rudy Bernal, News Editor.
There were 3 Teletypists that mans the receiving and transmission of news. The 3 teletype machines worked 24 hours a day receiving news from around the world. There was also an installed Telegram Machine, where we sent messages, very fast if needed. We looked at all the incoming news. Those that were of interest to Southeast Asia, were transmitted to Singapore, where they were distributed to Southeast Asia cities.
Here, I discovered the power of Teletype and Cables machines. Every minutes the Teletype machines spews news items coming from all over the world, and transmitted to Newspapers, radio TV Stations in the Philippines. These were wonders of mass communication. I never thought of this things, while taking care of our carabaos when I was in grade school.
Mr. Vincent Lateve and Ruben Alabastro prepared and wrote the news for Southeast Asia and news International release three times a day --in the mornings, noon times and in the evenings..
News service works were exciting job. When news in the Philippines broke with international interests we, at AFP . have to work fast, so we can transmit it faster than other news bureaus for a few minutes. International news are highly competitive jobs. A minute ahead of other news agencies, means good business. It was a work that carries discipline, fast action and hard challenges.
The News Editor, I replaced at Agence Frence Presse was Francisco (Kit) Tatad. He resigned from AFP and joined Manila Daily Bulletin as Columnist. Kit Tatad was a very good writer and columnist. On many occasions while covering diplomats who arrives or who were leaving Manila, Kit Tatad was always there.
I only come and cover events when Ruben Alabastro, Senior News Editor was busy and sent me to r the event. We were often at the Press Lounge of Manila International Airport for Press briefings I listened always carefully, as Kit Tatad asked questions during interviews. I tried to study and learn his style and methods of asking questions to high ranking diplomats that arrives or go out of the country.
Kit Tatad continued working as Manila Bulletin columnist for abour 2 years. Then President Ferdinand Marcos appointed him Press Secretary. then Secretary for Public Information. He became the official spokesman of President Ferdinand Marcos. He was transformed from a columnist, and become the powerful voice of the President of the Philippines.
When President Marcos declared martial law, Secretary Francisco Tatad, read the Martial Law declaration on newspapers, radio and television. I remembered, It seems to me, his lips quiver and his hands trembles a bit, as he reads the Martial Law declaration. For that was a defining moment in the Philippines. In other countries, a similar situation have brought upheaval and revolutions that toppled governments.
It was privilege to work with Agence France Press. It was a great learning process. The Press Card, used with humbleness, opens wide opportunities for an ordinary man like me. It opened closed doors in governments, business and diplomatic offices. That’s one power of media.
I remembered the first time I was assigned to interview a Senator. I was assigned by Mr. Robin Alabastro to interview Senator Jovito Salonga. It was during the Jabidah massaquer. I went to Congress. I proceeded to Senator Salonga's office in the Senate. There was a name on his door. I knocked. But I stopped. My heart was beating hard. I did not open the door. I stopped for a moment. I breathe deeply and hard.
Deep breathing lessen the tension and throbbing of my heart. Then, I went around several offices, a distance of about 100 meters. Then, I came back to the office of Senator Salonga. I knocked. I opened the door. I proceeded to the Secretary. I flashed my Press Card. I spoke slowly. I said: "Agence France Presse Maam is requesting to interview Senator Salonga";
The Secretary looked me straight on the eyes. He took my Press Card. Then he asked me to wait. She will talk to the Senator. She ushered me to the room of the Senator. The Senator was pouring on pages of letters when I came. He look at me. I gave him my Press Card. He look at it. Then asked me to set down. : " Senator, I| am Rudy Bernal from Agence France Presse. I would like to have an interview with you."
"Iam from Iloilo City and formerly with CPU. I am a Baptist. I was at Central Philippine University, several months ago, when you spoke at CPU students and faculties." Senator Salonga extended his hand for handshake. He thanked me for the information. He said, he was happy that the Baptists in Panay and Negros supported his candidacy. Then the Senator sat on the other side of the table.
He was very friendly and accommodating. I know Senator Salonga was a Protestant. I readied my tape recorder. And I began my interview. I asked him several questions that we prepared at Agence France Presse. He answered clearly and lengthily. And the interview lasted for nearly 20 minutes. I thank the Senator. We shake hands again. I went back to our office. I wrote the story. And my job for the day was done. After that first interview with the Senator, covering news and doing interviews with government leaders, political leaders, military leaders and diplomats became more easier and a challenge.
I made an interview with Ninoy Aquino. It was about the Jabida massacre case, where several Muslim trainees in Corregidor were reported massacred. There was only one survivor. The wounded young man, who swam from Corrigidor to Cavite. He said, they were told, they will be sent to Sabah. It was a short interview with Ninoy Aquino. Fifteen minutes with my Tape Recorder.
Interviews were jobs that needs and demands preparation. The need for background checks and former pronouncements of the persons to be interviewed. There were always invitations for press briefings and press conferences. These jobs offered me opportunities to rub shoulders with those in power, knowledge and wealth.
One time, I was covering a conference. I cannot remember any more that conference in Quezon City. That day Sen. Robert Kennedy was shot. One of my instructions, when covering news, was to call the office every 15 minutes. That will provide us the opportunity to get news that came any time of the day. When I called the office, Edgar Sebal, news editor, told me that Sen. Robert Kennedy was shot.
I shouted to the reporters that Robert Kennedy was shot. Max Edralin, a cousin of President Marcos ran to me. “ What did you say? What happened? Robert Kennedy was shot”. I told him Senator Kennedy was shot. Then, I saw all newspapermen were on the phones calling their offices.
There were no cell phones then. Big news were hot events. The competitions in news business were great. Edgar Sibal, transmitted Robert Kennedy assassination barely a minute ahead of other news group in Manila. Transmission of news fast, even for a minutes, was an achievement.
Under a different situations, I cannot shout to Max Edralin, a cousin of President Marcos. But media offered me time to be on the level of the powerful in our country, even for just a few minutes.
After working a year and a half at AFP, I began to feel that news editing and writing was not the job I would like to do all my life. The job offers good salary. Most of the snacks and meals were free. But I felt, I could not live my life, telling the stories of the people in the news, what they do and how they do it. I thought, perhaps, when I am old, I can just write stories of people’s lives. But at this time, while still young, I must be part of the actions, whatever that action is.
In my brief works in the newspaper and wire service, I have seen the slums of Pasay, Tondo, San Andres in Malate, Makati, Pandacan and other areas with the brutal living conditions of the poor in the slums, a grave contradictions to the affluence and rich and powerful we saw in newspaper society pages.
I have seen, that newspapers were part of the strongest forces that strengthen the elites and the oligarchs to maintain their power and strength. The poor, has no voice and power to change their situations and lives.
I saw the struggle of the students in Metro Manila as they rallied to show the evils of the social, economic and political system of the country. I have seen the challenges of the trade unions and their call for people to organize and work for change. This tinkered my mind and touched my soul. God was giving me a new order. He calls me to a new life’s directions. The directions was clear. To be a minister of the gospel. Or be a labor labor and organizer Or both, a pastor and labor organizer. I prayed for God’s guidance and direction.
A few days later, I heard that Mr. Curaming, a Herald reporter who covers National Defense and the Philippine Constabulary resigned. He stopped from his newsparework. He will study in the seminary. He will be a Catholic priest, and served his people. I have not heard from him since then. I do not know if he became a priest. But I have, somehow followed the same decision he made, with a little difference. My decision was to be a pastor and a labor leader.
That night, I decided to join the groups that were working for social, spiritual, economic and political change. I will join hands with other sectors of society and helped empower the poor and weak, unite and help fight for the needed structural and political change in our country.
Several months later, I resigned from Agence France Presse. I decided to join and work with farmers and farm laborers and help labor union in Panay. I will go back to Iloilo as base of our works. I have decided to remain in the Philippines and work in the country and helped in the struggle of our change
That night I bowed down my head to God in prayer. I asked God’s guidance. I know, it will be another long way. But God will open my way, the needed way, as I go in service to Him. I will study again as pastor, but will involve myself in the people’s movement, with labor education and people’s organizing as part of my ministry in life.
When I joined Kabataang Makabayan (KM) in Manila, my mind and decision was clear. I will not join the armed struggle, though I’ll respect the stand of those who believe. I will not fight with bullets. I will join a Labor union. I will go back to Iloilo and will join Atty. Nicolas Centeno and the Philippine Association of Nationalists Employees, Laborers & Farmers Union (PANELFU) I will help in education, mobilizing and organizing laborers and farmers in Panay. I will fight with ideas, reasons and power.
I will worked with other sectors of society, educate, organize and mobilize the laborers, workers, peasants, fisherfolk and urban poor, the weakest sector of Philippine society. Together, they can stand and fight for equality, freedom, justice, liberation and social transformation.
These four International News Agencies, all operating in the US and Europe, has great power. They helped greatly in building the world and people to what the thought are good, even if it will work bad for the many. These four International news agencies controlled the worlds public opinions.
That time, I have limited training on news writing works. We were best in Proof Reading jobs. But with almost zero experience in News Editing job. And I am not good in English. Writing was always a struggle and hard work for me. I’m working as Proof Reader of the Philippines Herald. It was the oldest newspaper in the country. It was one of the newspapers closed by President Ferdinand Marcos when he declared martial law in September 1972. Other national newspapers- The Manila Times, Manila Chronicles, Manila Bulletin and Philippine Evening News, re-opened and published again. But Philippines Herald decided to close forever.
While doing Proof Reading works, I was always invited by other Page Editors to assist them, when their assistant was on vacation leave or other works. They asked Mr. Bote Bautista to allow me to assist the other Pages Editors - the Business page Editor, Travel page editor, Foreign News Editor, Sports Editor. I was never invited to assist the Women's page Editor. I enjoyed my work as Proof Reader, and always invited by the other pages editors to assist them I was also given extra fee.
While doing proof reading works, a friend who works with Agence France Presse, Ed Magtoto visited me. We had a good conversations. Then he said, "Rudy, there is vacancy at Agence France Presse. Only one vacancy. We are looking for another News Editor. Kid Tatad, the Senior Editor has resigned two days ago. Mr. Vincent Lateve asked me to find someone to replace him. I have not told yet anyone of the opening. If you want, you apply tomorrow. Bring all your needed documents."
"If you would like to apply, come to the office tomorrow at 11:00 AM. I will introduce you to the manager." The job was news editing. I thought, the job offered was much better than proofreading. He told me, aside from news editing, I will have more opportunity to cover news, news for international audience.
I prayed for God's guidance. The following day, I went to the Office of Agence France Presse (AFP). with my application letter and other needed documents. Agence France Presse office was at the Ground Floor of the Manila Chronicle building, in Intramuros. Chronicle was owned by the Lopez family..
Fernando Lopez was active political leader He served as Senator and this time, Vice President of the country. Every national and local elections, the Chronicles Printing Press was busy producing elections propaganda materials, including Sample Ballots for distribution during election campaigns.
At Agence France Presse (French News Agency) that morning, I was introduced by Mr. Magtoto to Mr. Vincent Lateve. He was a toll, middle aged Frenchman. He came to Manila as Correspondent of AFP. He took the place of Teodoro (Teddy) Benigno, AFP Manager, who went to Paris on scholarship. After he returned, Teddy Benigno was appointed Press Secretary by President Cory Aquino.
I have a pleasant conversation with Mr. Lative. He accepted me as the newest editor of AFP. One thing I remembered of him. After some discussion during my interview, he said, “You have a good voice. It will be important when you make interviews”. I smiled and extended my hands for a handshake. I remembered his words. ”You have a good voice.” I thought my practice of deep breathing paid off. For I have a squeaky and effeminate voice when I was younger. Then, he referred me to Mrs. Trinidad, Assistant Manager to give me further instructions and details of my work.
Mrs. Trinidad gave me needed instructions. She gave me information of the other AFP News Editors. Their time and assignments. She said, if possible I must start work in three days. I am really needed. I immediately resigned from the Philippines Herald. Three days later, I was already with Agence France Presse. And started my work as News Editor.
I feel I cannot believed my luck. I am now News Editor of an International News Agency. Soon, I will be assigned to interview top people in government, diplomats and politicians. What, if I did not decide to study in high school. Or, if I did not pushed myself hard to study in college as work student -scrubbing 2 rooms at Valentines Hall or later washing dishes of student interns at Weston Hall? A new opportunity has opened. I thanked God for his help and guidance.
We were seven AFP staff. Mr. Vincent Lateve, International Correspondent and Manager. Mrs. Trinidad, Assistant Manager and in charge for Philippine Features write-ups for national and international release. Ruben Alabastro, Senior Editor and Assistant Correspondent, Edgar Sibal, Assistant News Editor, Mr. Ed Magtoto, News Editor and of course now, Rudy Bernal, News Editor.
There were 3 Teletypists that mans the receiving and transmission of news. The 3 teletype machines worked 24 hours a day receiving news from around the world. There was also an installed Telegram Machine, where we sent messages, very fast if needed. We looked at all the incoming news. Those that were of interest to Southeast Asia, were transmitted to Singapore, where they were distributed to Southeast Asia cities.
Here, I discovered the power of Teletype and Cables machines. Every minutes the Teletype machines spews news items coming from all over the world, and transmitted to Newspapers, radio TV Stations in the Philippines. These were wonders of mass communication. I never thought of this things, while taking care of our carabaos when I was in grade school.
Mr. Vincent Lateve and Ruben Alabastro prepared and wrote the news for Southeast Asia and news International release three times a day --in the mornings, noon times and in the evenings..
News service works were exciting job. When news in the Philippines broke with international interests we, at AFP . have to work fast, so we can transmit it faster than other news bureaus for a few minutes. International news are highly competitive jobs. A minute ahead of other news agencies, means good business. It was a work that carries discipline, fast action and hard challenges.
The News Editor, I replaced at Agence Frence Presse was Francisco (Kit) Tatad. He resigned from AFP and joined Manila Daily Bulletin as Columnist. Kit Tatad was a very good writer and columnist. On many occasions while covering diplomats who arrives or who were leaving Manila, Kit Tatad was always there.
I only come and cover events when Ruben Alabastro, Senior News Editor was busy and sent me to r the event. We were often at the Press Lounge of Manila International Airport for Press briefings I listened always carefully, as Kit Tatad asked questions during interviews. I tried to study and learn his style and methods of asking questions to high ranking diplomats that arrives or go out of the country.
Kit Tatad continued working as Manila Bulletin columnist for abour 2 years. Then President Ferdinand Marcos appointed him Press Secretary. then Secretary for Public Information. He became the official spokesman of President Ferdinand Marcos. He was transformed from a columnist, and become the powerful voice of the President of the Philippines.
When President Marcos declared martial law, Secretary Francisco Tatad, read the Martial Law declaration on newspapers, radio and television. I remembered, It seems to me, his lips quiver and his hands trembles a bit, as he reads the Martial Law declaration. For that was a defining moment in the Philippines. In other countries, a similar situation have brought upheaval and revolutions that toppled governments.
It was privilege to work with Agence France Press. It was a great learning process. The Press Card, used with humbleness, opens wide opportunities for an ordinary man like me. It opened closed doors in governments, business and diplomatic offices. That’s one power of media.
I remembered the first time I was assigned to interview a Senator. I was assigned by Mr. Robin Alabastro to interview Senator Jovito Salonga. It was during the Jabidah massaquer. I went to Congress. I proceeded to Senator Salonga's office in the Senate. There was a name on his door. I knocked. But I stopped. My heart was beating hard. I did not open the door. I stopped for a moment. I breathe deeply and hard.
Deep breathing lessen the tension and throbbing of my heart. Then, I went around several offices, a distance of about 100 meters. Then, I came back to the office of Senator Salonga. I knocked. I opened the door. I proceeded to the Secretary. I flashed my Press Card. I spoke slowly. I said: "Agence France Presse Maam is requesting to interview Senator Salonga";
The Secretary looked me straight on the eyes. He took my Press Card. Then he asked me to wait. She will talk to the Senator. She ushered me to the room of the Senator. The Senator was pouring on pages of letters when I came. He look at me. I gave him my Press Card. He look at it. Then asked me to set down. : " Senator, I| am Rudy Bernal from Agence France Presse. I would like to have an interview with you."
"Iam from Iloilo City and formerly with CPU. I am a Baptist. I was at Central Philippine University, several months ago, when you spoke at CPU students and faculties." Senator Salonga extended his hand for handshake. He thanked me for the information. He said, he was happy that the Baptists in Panay and Negros supported his candidacy. Then the Senator sat on the other side of the table.
He was very friendly and accommodating. I know Senator Salonga was a Protestant. I readied my tape recorder. And I began my interview. I asked him several questions that we prepared at Agence France Presse. He answered clearly and lengthily. And the interview lasted for nearly 20 minutes. I thank the Senator. We shake hands again. I went back to our office. I wrote the story. And my job for the day was done. After that first interview with the Senator, covering news and doing interviews with government leaders, political leaders, military leaders and diplomats became more easier and a challenge.
I made an interview with Ninoy Aquino. It was about the Jabida massacre case, where several Muslim trainees in Corregidor were reported massacred. There was only one survivor. The wounded young man, who swam from Corrigidor to Cavite. He said, they were told, they will be sent to Sabah. It was a short interview with Ninoy Aquino. Fifteen minutes with my Tape Recorder.
Interviews were jobs that needs and demands preparation. The need for background checks and former pronouncements of the persons to be interviewed. There were always invitations for press briefings and press conferences. These jobs offered me opportunities to rub shoulders with those in power, knowledge and wealth.
One time, I was covering a conference. I cannot remember any more that conference in Quezon City. That day Sen. Robert Kennedy was shot. One of my instructions, when covering news, was to call the office every 15 minutes. That will provide us the opportunity to get news that came any time of the day. When I called the office, Edgar Sebal, news editor, told me that Sen. Robert Kennedy was shot.
I shouted to the reporters that Robert Kennedy was shot. Max Edralin, a cousin of President Marcos ran to me. “ What did you say? What happened? Robert Kennedy was shot”. I told him Senator Kennedy was shot. Then, I saw all newspapermen were on the phones calling their offices.
There were no cell phones then. Big news were hot events. The competitions in news business were great. Edgar Sibal, transmitted Robert Kennedy assassination barely a minute ahead of other news group in Manila. Transmission of news fast, even for a minutes, was an achievement.
Under a different situations, I cannot shout to Max Edralin, a cousin of President Marcos. But media offered me time to be on the level of the powerful in our country, even for just a few minutes.
After working a year and a half at AFP, I began to feel that news editing and writing was not the job I would like to do all my life. The job offers good salary. Most of the snacks and meals were free. But I felt, I could not live my life, telling the stories of the people in the news, what they do and how they do it. I thought, perhaps, when I am old, I can just write stories of people’s lives. But at this time, while still young, I must be part of the actions, whatever that action is.
In my brief works in the newspaper and wire service, I have seen the slums of Pasay, Tondo, San Andres in Malate, Makati, Pandacan and other areas with the brutal living conditions of the poor in the slums, a grave contradictions to the affluence and rich and powerful we saw in newspaper society pages.
I have seen, that newspapers were part of the strongest forces that strengthen the elites and the oligarchs to maintain their power and strength. The poor, has no voice and power to change their situations and lives.
I saw the struggle of the students in Metro Manila as they rallied to show the evils of the social, economic and political system of the country. I have seen the challenges of the trade unions and their call for people to organize and work for change. This tinkered my mind and touched my soul. God was giving me a new order. He calls me to a new life’s directions. The directions was clear. To be a minister of the gospel. Or be a labor labor and organizer Or both, a pastor and labor organizer. I prayed for God’s guidance and direction.
A few days later, I heard that Mr. Curaming, a Herald reporter who covers National Defense and the Philippine Constabulary resigned. He stopped from his newsparework. He will study in the seminary. He will be a Catholic priest, and served his people. I have not heard from him since then. I do not know if he became a priest. But I have, somehow followed the same decision he made, with a little difference. My decision was to be a pastor and a labor leader.
That night, I decided to join the groups that were working for social, spiritual, economic and political change. I will join hands with other sectors of society and helped empower the poor and weak, unite and help fight for the needed structural and political change in our country.
Several months later, I resigned from Agence France Presse. I decided to join and work with farmers and farm laborers and help labor union in Panay. I will go back to Iloilo as base of our works. I have decided to remain in the Philippines and work in the country and helped in the struggle of our change
That night I bowed down my head to God in prayer. I asked God’s guidance. I know, it will be another long way. But God will open my way, the needed way, as I go in service to Him. I will study again as pastor, but will involve myself in the people’s movement, with labor education and people’s organizing as part of my ministry in life.
When I joined Kabataang Makabayan (KM) in Manila, my mind and decision was clear. I will not join the armed struggle, though I’ll respect the stand of those who believe. I will not fight with bullets. I will join a Labor union. I will go back to Iloilo and will join Atty. Nicolas Centeno and the Philippine Association of Nationalists Employees, Laborers & Farmers Union (PANELFU) I will help in education, mobilizing and organizing laborers and farmers in Panay. I will fight with ideas, reasons and power.
I will worked with other sectors of society, educate, organize and mobilize the laborers, workers, peasants, fisherfolk and urban poor, the weakest sector of Philippine society. Together, they can stand and fight for equality, freedom, justice, liberation and social transformation.
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