October 7, 2006

Tribute to Dan Campilan, journalist and activist
Renato M. Reyes, Jr.
Secretary General, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan conveys its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of comrade Dan Campilan, TV journalist and activist.

Before becoming a reporter for GMA 7, Dan Campilan was a member of the League of Filipino Students in Cebu . He believed and upheld the principles and ideals of genuine freedom and democracy and could identify with the plight of the poor. He worked closely with the likes of Marvin Marquez, the martyred leader of Anakbayan, Cebu .

His background as an activist served him well as a journalist because his reporting genuinely reflected the situation of the poor and oppressed.

We remember Dan for covering major rallies and mobilizations this year such as the State of the Nation Address and the September 21 protest against political killings. He was conscientious in his coverage of rallies, paying attention to speeches and not minding the difficulties of rain, long marches and even violent dispersals by the police. It was at the September 21 rally that we last saw Dan.

In one June rally going to Mendiola, he said he was almost moved to tears by the speeches and actions of the marchers from the provinces who were fighting political repression and militarization. He said it was sometimes difficult for him to cover rallies because he could always relate to the speeches and presentations and that these agitated him even more. Yet he enjoyed being there covering the action, almost even marching together with the other protesters, be it from UP to Commonwealth Avenue, Espana to Mendiola, or Alabang to Liwasang Bonifacio.

We will surely miss Dan Campilan. His untimely death is a great loss for the broadcast industry as well as the people?s movement he belonged to and covered with great interest.

Again our heartfelt salute to our comrade, friend and reporter for the people, Dan Campilan. May his example inspire others to continue his unfinished work as journalist and activist.