Philippine communist leader José María Sison has died at the age of 83 after a two-week confinement in a hospital in the Netherlands. His death marks a significant moment in the history of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), which he founded in 1968 and whose armed wing has been waging one of Asia’s longest-running insurgencies. Let’s take a look at his life and legacy. Read on to know more about this article.
Who was José María Sison?
José María Sison was born on February 8, 1939 in Cabugao, also known by the nickname of Joma and “Ka” in the province of Ilocos Sur to peasant parents. He began his studies at San Beda College in Manila before graduating from the University of the Philippines with a bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations. After receiving his degree, he was selected for a Fulbright scholarship to study political science at The American University in Washington DC, graduating with honors in 1963. He then attended Leiden University in the Netherlands, earning his master’s degree in international law. and diplomacy. from there two years later.
In 1968, Sison founded what would become known as the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). Two years later, the CPP formed its own military wing called the New People’s Army (NPA) to launch an armed insurgency against the dictatorship of President Ferdinand Marcos. In 1977, Marcos accused Sison of rebellion, but he denied his involvement in the NPA or any other illegal activity and instead went into exile. In 1986, Marcos was ousted from power by a popular revolt led by Corazon Aquino, who granted amnesty to all political prisoners, including Sison, who returned home under his presidency but ultimately went into exile due to alleged human rights violations committed by his government against communist activists.
How did Joma die? What was her cause of death?
The death of Joma Sison on December 16, 2022 has left many with sadness and questions. Sison had spent most of his exile living near Utrecht since 1987 and had been in a Utrecht hospital for weeks before dying of an unspecified illness. According to the party, he passed away peacefully around 8:40 p.m. Friday night, but no cause of death was released. How did Joma Sison die? Was it due to natural or unnatural causes? We may never know for sure, but one thing is certain: the legacy he left will linger in our memories for years to come.
Joma Sison Obituary
Sison’s passing is a significant loss to the Philippine communist movement and those who believe in social justice and equality. Although he faced many challenges during his decades-long struggle for democracy for the Filipino people, his dedication will live on forever as an important figure who inspired generations of Filipino citizens to freedom. His contributions to the cause of social justice will be remembered for years to come.
Tributes poured out to José María Sison
Queen Valmores
We regret the death of José María Sison, poet, revolutionary, servant of the people until his last breath.
It is through Joma’s work that we now understand the social realities of the Philippines. Her legacy flows through leagues of people fighting for equality around the world.
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In honor of Prof. José María Sison, let us intensify the fight for a just and lasting peace to actively defend his memory and emulate his revolutionary legacy. #KaJomaLives ✊
José María Sison dedicated much of his life to advocating for social justice through the ideals of communism while also trying to improve democratic governance through civic action and civil disobedience movements like EDSA Revolution, which he helped overthrow to the Marcos regime. May we honor him by carrying out his mission for social justice and democracy for all. Rest in Peace José María Sison.