Pilgrims for Peace
June 8, 2025

Pilgrims for Peace wishes to express deepest gratitude and towering respect for Luis ‘Ka Louie’ G. Jalandoni in his untiring efforts to attain a just and lasting peace for the Filipino people. Formerly chairperson of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) negotiating panel in the peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the NDFP, Ka Louie relinquished his role in 2016 and became Senior Adviser, in which capacity he continued his service for almost nine additional years.

The outpouring of accolades for his laudable journey of solidarity with the Filipino masses underscores Ka Louie’s grit and integrity as a fighter for social justice in the Philippines. Pilgrims for Peace adds our commendation on his life of exemplary service, much more how Ka Louie unflinchingly carried a flame of hope and possibility for resolving the roots of armed conflict through principled peace negotiations.

Ka Louie’s warm and affable nature, his acuity for social analysis and complex problem-solving and his unshakable commitment to progressive and revolutionary principles endeared him to a wide network of peace and justice advocates around the world. Even those who faced him across the negotiating table told stories of how they warmed to his generous spirit and appreciated his undeniable love for the masses and his commitment to the people’s revolutionary quest for freedom and democracy, for a just and lasting peace.

His contributions to GRP-NDFP peace negotiations are undeniable. From the landmark framework agreement — The Hague Joint Declaration — to the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRHIL) and the most recent GRP-NDFP Oslo Joint Statement of November 23, 2023, where the two parties agreed to reopen peace negotiations, Ka Louie has been a stalwart of the NDFP in the peace negotiations and one of it’s most cogent articulators. Even as we patiently await further updates on a promised new framework to guide the stalled peace process, Ka Louie’s steadfast participation has been an assuring beacon of hope.

Never tiring in speaking at gatherings, answering questions, facilitating discussions, Ka Louie demonstrated a well-spring of solidarity and a keen ear to listen to the hearts and dreams of the poor, deprived and oppressed and their advocates. Generations upon generations of human rights, justice and peace activists were given a living example and trustworthy guide for developing the principles, attitude, skills, and commitment needed for genuine peace-building.

We, peace advocates, extend our deepest sympathy to Ka Louie’s partner, Ka Coni Ledesma, and their son, Jose Edmundo ‘Pendong’ Jalandoni, as well as to the extended family in this time of bereavement. Ka Louie devoted his life to the national democratic revolution in the Philippines. Thus, we also remember the peasants, fisherfolk, indigenous peoples, workers, urban poor, church people, environmentalists, human rights defenders, other professionals, and revolutionaries throughout the country who now mourn his passing while celebrating his storied life.

Surely, we all acknowledge that the Filipino people’s struggle for JustPeace is far from over. May the indomitable spirit and revolutionary legacy of Ka Louie continue to inspire us to work for the attainment of a just and lasting peace in the Philippines. #

Signed:
Most Rev. Gerardo A. Alminaza, D.D., Bishop, Diocese of San Carlos
Most Revd. Rhee M. Timbang, former Obispo Maximo, Iglesia Filipina Independiente
Bp. Francisco ‘Nonie’ Aviso, Jr., Middle Luzon Jurisdictional Area, United Church of Christ in the Philippines
Sr. Maureen Catabian, RGS – Women, Justice & Peace and Integrity in of Creation
Kej Andres, National Chairperson, Student Christian Movement
Dss Norma Dollaga, General Secretary, KASIMBAYAN
Rev. Irma Balaba, Spokesperson, Promotion of Church People’s Response