Philippine communist leader Jose Maria Sison 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. Keep reading to know more about this articl
Who was Jose maria Sison?
Jose Maria Sison was born on February 8th, 1939 in Cabugao, also know by the nickname Joma and “Ka” Ilocos Sur province 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 earning his degree, he was chosen for a Fulbright scholarship to study political science at The American University in Washington D.C., where he graduated with honors in 1963. He then attended Leiden University in the Netherlands and obtained 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, CPP formed its own military arm called New People’s Army (NPA) to wage an armed insurgency against President Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship. In 1977, Marcos charged Sison with rebellion but he denied involvement with NPA or any other illegal activity and went into exile instead. In 1986, Marcos was removed from power by popular revolt led by Corazon Aquino who granted amnesty to all political prisoners including Sison who returned home under her presidency but eventually went back into exile due to alleged human rights violations committed by her government against communists activists.
How did Joma die? What was his Cause of death?
The passing of Joma Sison on December 16th, 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 he died due to an unspecified illness. According to the party, he passed away peacefully around 8:40 pm on Friday evening but no cause of death was given. 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 behind will remain in our memories for years to come.
Joma Sison Obituary
Sison’s passing is a significant loss for the Philippine communist movement and for those who believe in social justice and equality. Though he faced many challenges during his decades-long fight for democracy for Philippine people ,his dedication will live on forever as an important figure who inspired generations of Filipino citizens towards freedom. His contributions to the cause of social justice will be remembered for years to come.
Tributes Pour to Jose Maria Sison
Reyna Valmores
We mourn the passing of Jose Maria 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. His legacy flows through the leagues of people fighting for equality worldwide.
DanDMay@dancebts2
In honor of Prof. Jose Maria Sison, let’s intensify the fight for a just and lasting peace to actively uphold his memory and to emulate his revolutionary legacy. #KaJomaLives ✊
Jose Maria Sison dedicated much of his life advocating for social justice through communism ideals while also trying to improve democratic governance through civic action and civil disobedience movements such as EDSA Revolution which helped topple Marcos regime. May we honor him by carrying out his mission for social justice and democracy for all . Rest In Peace Jose Maria Sison.