Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas
It has been five long years since the tragic and brutal killing of Atty. Benjamin Ramos, also known as Atty. Ben, in Kabankalan City by a riding-in-tandem. Atty. Ben’s demise served as a signal for people to continue his work. Our quest for justice and our call to address human rights violations and extrajudicial killings have persisted.
Countless victims, each with their unique stories of shedding blood, embody their love for serving the people. In some remote areas where militarization is rampant, civilians express their unbearable suffering. The consensus among the masses is that if Atty. Ben was still alive, we would have our steadfast defender. His selfless service to those in need went beyond legal advice — it provided a source of encouragement.
Atty. Ben was one of the figures who offered the best service to the masses, and his advocacy led to his tragic death. Similarly, Sara Alvarez also sacrificed her life for the people. Those who believe that killing peace-loving individuals would halt progress were proven wrong. While they silenced Ben, they could not silence the love and longing of the basic masses, who continue to miss him dearly. His legacy serves as a source of inspiration to persevere. His assassination did not end his work and advocacy but rather invigorated a renewed energy among those who believed in his principles, fostering a stronger belief that justice would prevail.
In the current situation in Negros, and in the entire nation, numerous cases have come to light revealing the involvement of state forces in violent activities including harassment, red tagging, and even killings. The recent abduction and illegal detention of environment defenders Jed and Jhonila in Bataan as exposed in a press conference, shed light on their forced abduction rather than voluntary surrender.
Atty. Ben approached his work with love for the community he served. He was beloved not only for his legal profession but for the compassion he exhibited in serving the least, the last, and the lost.
Yes, it has been five years since we lost you, Atty. Ben. Your enduring work continues to inspire both the present and future generations. We are grateful for the life you shared with us. As long as human rights violations persist, we will tirelessly pursue justice. As long as people need care and strength, your work will serve as our guiding light.
“JUSTICE FOR ATTY. BEN RAMOS! STOP THE KILLINGS!”
