A Red Salute to Kumander Parago

Roy Erecre
NDFP Consultant for Visayas
July 10, 2015
The revolutionary forces in the Visayas unite with the Filipino people especially the oppressed masses, the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army and the organs of political power all over the country in honouring the memory of Leoncio “Kumander Parago” Pitao. We not only mourn his death but, most importantly, commemorate his countless significant contributions to the national democratic revolution.
Ka Parago and medic-comrade Vanessa “Ka Kyle” Limpag were inhumanely murdered while hors de combat by a raiding team composed of the 6th Scout Ranger Company, 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion under the 1st Scout Ranger Regiment led by General Ano last June 28, 2015 in Barangay Panalum, Paquibato district, Davao City.
Kumander Parago was an exemplary revolutionary in serving the people and leading the first Pulang Bagani Battalion of the Red Army in Southern Mindanao. In his 37 years in the revolution, he was resolute in his revolutionary principles and he grasped firmly the theory and practice of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism (MLM).
Ka Parago wa a model Communist for the sacrifices and struggles he overcame with the interest of the masses at heart. Though his family was constantly under threat to the point of his daughter, Rebelyn, being raped and murdered by military agents, the interest of the majority of the Filipino people prevailed and he continued in his revolutionary work. Despite his illnesses, he refused to depart from the masses he loves to seek medical attention. With his last breath, he bellowed, “Long live the revolution, long live the oppressed masses!”
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) boasts of its triumph in Commander Parago’s murder and predicts the downfall of the revolutionary movement in Mindanao. Rather, the AFP will be dumbfounded with the resounding march of the new Paragos not only in Mindanao but the entire Philippines. While it is true that the death of every comrade is a loss to the revolution, we will transform our grief into a force of victory.
The national democratic revolution will continue until victory is achieved with the inspiration of Commander Parago and other revolutionary heroes and martyrs, who, apart from offering his life to the people, left us with his great legacy and example.
A red salute to Comrade Parago and all revolutionary martyrs!
Follow the communist spirit and legacy of Commander Parago in advancing the New Democratic Revolution to greater heights!
Long live the revolution, long live the oppressed masses!