Luis "Louie" Gamboa Jalandoni is the chairman of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). A former Catholic priest, he established the Christians for National Liberation in the 1970s.
Luis Jalandoni | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Occupation(s) | Activist, priest (former) |
| Known for | Chairman of National Democratic Front of the Philippines |
| Spouse |
Coni Ledesma (m. 1974) |
Career
editJalandoni hails from a wealthy family in Silay, Negros Occidental.[1] He would become a Roman Catholic priest in Negros. He also donated farmlands he inherited from his family in the 1960s to landless workers.[2]
In 1972, Jalandoni was involved in the establishment of Christians for National Liberation. The NDFP credits Jalandoni for his role of involving Catholic and Protestant faithful to the Communist movement. He was arrested by the authorities in the following year with nun Coni Ledesma.[2] They were released in mid-1974.[3]
He went to exile in the Netherlands. He became a close aide of Communist leader Jose Maria Sison.[4]
From 1989 to 2016, Jalandoni served as the chief peace negotiator for the Communist rebels in negotiations with the Philippine national government.[2]
The Anti-Terrorism Council during the tenure of president Rodrigo Duterte in mid-2022 designated Jalandoni as a terrorist.[5][6] The International League of Peoples' Struggle has advocated for the removal of said designation.[7]
Personal life
editJalandoni is married to Maria Consuelo "Coni" Ledesma, a former nun and school principal.[1] Jalandoni was released from priesthood in 1974 and Ledesma received her dispensation in December 1972. The two formally got married on December 19, 1974, in Mandaluyong, with the rite presided by then newly instated cardinal Jaime Sin.[3]
Jalandoni is a naturalized citizen of the Netherlands, where he resides.[8]
References
edit- ^ a b Silverio, Ina Alleco (February 14, 2011). "Love Underground: When Louie Met Coni". Bulatlat. p. 1. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
- ^ a b c "Philippine communists honor priest-turned-rebel leader". UCA News. April 21, 2017. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
- ^ a b Silverio, Ina Alleco (February 14, 2011). "Love Underground: When Louie Met Coni - Page 2 of 2". Bulatlat. p. 2.
- ^ "Dutch release Philippine communist". Al Jazeera. September 13, 2007. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
- ^ Arcilla, Gigie (June 15, 2022). "6 'commies', 5 ASG, DI leaders designated terrorists". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
- ^ "Philippine officials designate 11 insurgents `terrorists'". AP News. Associated Press. June 16, 2022. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
- ^ Locus, Sundy (December 9, 2022). "Groups seek Luis Jalandoni's removal from ATC's terror list". GMA News. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
- ^ Talosig-Bartolome, Malou (October 31, 2023). "PHL, The Netherlands ties 'very good' after Joma's passing–Dutch minister". BusinessMirror. Retrieved November 11, 2023.