The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Sunday, Dec. 18, declared 10 days of the mourning period to give honor to its late founding chairman Jose Maria 'Joma' Sison.
In a statement, the CPP said the set period is an opportunity for the party and all revolutionary forces to pay their last respects and honor their revolutionary leader who “dedicated his entire life to the cause of liberation.”
During the days of mourning, the CPP said the New People’s Army (NPA) can stage “tactical offensives against the rampaging fascist forces to defend the people.”
By the end of the 10 days, at the dawn of Dec. 26, all NPA units will silently perform a 21-gun salute as a way of giving the “highest tribute and bidding farewell” to their beloved leader.
CPP Central Committee declares 10 days of official mourning (December 17 to 26) to give honor to its founding chair Jose Ma. Sison. Upcoming 54th anniversary will serve as occasion to celebrate the life and achievements of Ka Joma. NPA ordered to conduct (silent) 21-gun salute. pic.twitter.com/teyQc7njOO
— Ang Bayan #KaJomaLives (@angbayan1969) December 18, 2022
“Today we declare Ka Joma as the greatest hero of the Filipino people in their past century of resistance against imperialism. His immense contributions to shaping the patriotic and revolutionary consciousness of the Filipino people and breaking open the path towards national and social liberation will never be erased,” the CPP said.
The party said it will dedicate its upcoming 54th founding anniversary to Sison’s memory and will celebrate his life and all the victories the party has accomplished under his leadership and guidance.
The CCP announced on Saturday morning that its founder has passed away at the age of 83.
Sison died after being confined in a hospital located in Utrecht, The Netherlands for almost two weeks.
