By Joma & Julie Sison

1 March 2001

We are saddened by the death of Raquel. She was a dear comrade and friend. She always strove to contribute the best she could to the struggle for national freedom and democracy despite her long and determined struggle against cancer.

We have known and admired her revolutionary commitment and work since the time she was simultaneously an activist of the Student Cultural Association of the University of the Philippines (SCAUP) and the Kabataang Makabayan in the late sixties.

Even when we were underground, we were aware of her significant activities. She held responsible positions in the KM in the course of big battles like the First Quarter Storm and the Diliman Commune.

She became a proletarian revolutionary and performed tasks in the underground before and after the proclamation of martial law in 1972. Many comrades can testify to her commitment and her acts of courage in the struggle.

We were happy to meet and talk intimately with her the few times that she visited us in the Netherlands. Always, she was very lively and eager to take on more tasks in the struggle.

We feel a deep sense of loss over her passing away. But like so many comrades and mutual friends, we are consoled and gratified that she lived a meaningful and fruitful life in the service of the people and the cause of gender equality. #