PRESS RELEASE
31 July 2020
https://ndfp.org/a-simple-but-fitting-heros-sendoff-for-fidel-agcaoili/?fbclid=IwAR3RR_zo8FyWL-VeDzG3nYfOJsDSmnTcLl7k1P_xxaOyygWQD4VoU2AoBGM
More than 70 comrades, close associates and Filipino and foreign friends attended the sendoff (necrological services) today for Fidel V. Agcaoili, Chairperson of the Peace Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, who passed away last 23 July 2020 in Utrecht, The Netherlands due to pulmonary artery rupture.
The family of Fidel in the Philippines could not be physically present due to travel restrictions because of the Covid 19 pandemic. They joined the sendoff via live video streaming and so did hundreds of friends from different parts of the globe.
The sendoff in Crematorium Daelwijck in Utrecht also observed strict protocols and precautions due to Covid19. Many would have wanted to participate in the sendoff, but organizers and the venue limited the participants to the number prescribed by government health protocols.
A powerpoint photo presentation of Fidel as a family man, political prisoner, peace negotiator and leader of the Philippine movement and accompanied by his favorite songs was the main highlight of the sendoff. This is to give his family enough time to bid him farewell privately before the cremation.
Those present were given time to view, for the last time his remains. His close associates, namely, NDFP peace panel chief political consultant Prof. Jose Maria Sison, members of the peace panel Julie De Lima and Coni Ledesma, and NDFP peace panel senior political consultant and chief international representative Luis Jalandoni helped seal Fidel’s casket before being brought for cremation.
Several comrades and young Dutch and Filipino activists proceeded to the NDFP International Information Office, to pay their last farewell to Fidel.
A more lengthy tribute is scheduled on 8 August, his 76th birthday, which will also be available via live video streaming to enable more people to view and participate in the tribute.#
For reference:
NDFP International Information Office
Telephone: +31-(0)30-2310431
