Remembering Luis Jalandoni, Former NDFP Chief Negotiator
Luis “Ka Louie” Jalandoni, the former National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) chief negotiator, passed away peacefully at 90 years old in Utrecht, The Netherlands, on Saturday, June 7. His death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the Filipino revolutionary movement. Sources said Jalandoni spent his final moments surrounded by his comrades, wife Maria Consuelo “Ka Coni,” and family.
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) expressed deep sorrow over Jalandoni’s passing. They described him as “beloved by the masses, a true internationalist, revolutionary leader, and stalwart of peace.” Although the cause of death was not disclosed, the timing recalls the losses of other key figures such as CPP founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison and NDFP peace panel chairman Fidel Agcaoili, who died in 2020.
The Life and Struggles of Luis Jalandoni
Born on February 26, 1935, in a wealthy family of landlords and sugar barons in Negros Island, Jalandoni’s journey to becoming a rebel negotiator was shaped by his early exposure to the harsh realities faced by sugar workers. Immersed in their struggles, he developed a strong political awareness.
Initially a Catholic priest, Jalandoni actively participated in the “Church to the Barrios” program, leading efforts to uplift neglected rural communities. In 1972, he founded the Christians for National Liberation (CNL), which united progressive religious workers against the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. That same year, Jalandoni joined the CPP, and the CNL became a founding ally of the NDFP in 1973.
Arrest and Exile
In 1973, during Martial Law, Jalandoni and his wife were arrested and detained at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City. Released a year later, they immediately returned to their revolutionary work. By 1976, they sought political asylum in the Netherlands where Jalandoni continued to rally international support for the Philippine revolution.
Peace Negotiations and Later Years
Jalandoni was appointed chief negotiator for the NDFP in 1989, representing the group in peace talks with the Philippine government. He also served as NDFP chairman until 2016. However, peace negotiations failed to reach lasting agreements under various administrations.
In 2019, Jalandoni faced an arrest warrant linked to a past murder case reportedly connected to internal communist purges. He was labeled a terrorist in 2022 during the Duterte administration after peace talks stalled.
Still, hope for peace revived in 2023 when the Philippine government and the NDFP signed the Oslo Joint Communique in Norway. This agreement aimed to end decades of armed conflict involving the CPP, its armed wing the New People’s Army, and the political NDFP.
Honoring a Revolutionary Legacy
The CPP extended heartfelt gratitude to Jalandoni for his lifelong dedication to the Filipino people’s struggle for national and social liberation. They pledged to uphold his legacy of selfless service, humility, and unwavering commitment to the democratic revolution until final victory is achieved.
For more news and updates on Luis Jalandoni’s legacy, visit Filipinokami.com.