Rebel Negotiator Luis Jalandoni Passes Away

Utrecht, The Netherlands — Luis ‘Louie’ Gamboa Jalandoni, one of the most senior consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) has passed away at the age of 90.

A close family member confirmed the news through a social media post. TFCN has received permission from Jalandoni’s daughter-in-law, Ruthie Paras, to share the information and tribute she posted on her personal account.

As of this writing, official and public confirmation from the family and the NDFP is still awaited. However, tributes have begun pouring in, many appearing on the social media page of his wife, Coni Ledesma.

FILE PHOTO: Luis Jalandoni during the 50th anniversary of NDFP in March 2019.

Jalandoni, born in February 16, 1935, was a naturalized Dutch citizen and based in the Netherlands. He served as the chairman of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). He played a pivotal role in peace negotiations with the Philippine government.

A former Catholic priest, Jalandoni co-founded Christians for National Liberation in 1972, an underground revolutionary organization aimed at uniting Christians in advancing progressive causes. That same decade, he became active in the labor movement, advocating for workers' rights and regulatory protections.

In The Netherlands, his close circle and members of the Filipino community who knew him fondly called him ‘Tito Louie’, or uncle Louie, a term of endearment for older men who command respect. He had a ready smile and laugh that made everyone feel at ease and comfortable around him. He still showed a priest-like humility and demeanor that endeared him to many, even those outside the revolutionary and socialist movements.

His public profile indicated that he was born into a wealthy family in Silay, Negros Occidental. His commitment to social justice was demonstrated when in the 1960s, he donated farmlands he had inherited to landless workers. He was arrested the following year alongside Coni Ledesma, a former nun and school principal, who later became his wife.

Jalandoni formally left the priesthood in 1974, while Ledesma received her dispensation in December 1972. The couple married in December 1974 in Mandaluyong, with newly instated Cardinal Jaime Sin officiating the ceremony. In the 1980s, Jalandoni went into exile in the Netherlands, where he formed a close association with Jose Maria Sison and Fidel Agcaoili. Sison, who passed away in December 2022, was the founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) while Agcaoili founded the Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainee Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA), a prisoners' rights organization. He passed away in July 2020.

FILE PHOTO: Luis Jalandoni, during the wake of Joma Sison, in December 2022

While in exile, Jalandoni became a prominent figure in international advocacy for the Philippine revolutionary movement. From 1989 to 2016, he served as the chief peace negotiator for communist rebels in dialogues with the Philippine government. The three - Jalandoni, Sison, and Agcaoili - were often seen at the negotiating table across government representatives. Before his passing, Jalandoni was chief international representative of the NDFP.

FILE PHOTO: Luis Jalandoni (middle) with Fidel Agcaoili (left) and Joma Sison (Right) during a peace negotiation.

In 2018, he cancelled his trip to the Philippines citing a threat made by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año. Under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Anti-Terrorism Council designated Jalandoni as a terrorist in mid-2022—a move that drew opposition from groups such as the International League of Peoples' Struggle, which has since called for the removal of the designation. His colleagues in the social movement and supporters called him “a man of peace and not a terrorist.”

Peace advocate

Even with the designation, Jalandoni had publicly emphasized their openness and willingness to engage in discussions with the Philippine government, provided that the negotiations serve the interests of the Filipino people.

In 2023, the Philippine government and the NDFP reached an agreement to restart their stalled peace negotiations. This decision followed the signing of a joint statement committing to a principled and peaceful resolution of the ongoing armed conflict.

As a National Executive Council Member of NDFP, along with interim Negotiating Panel Chairperson Julieta De Lima, and panel member Coni Ledesma, he endorsed the joint statement.

In separate press briefings, both parties confirmed the signing of the joint communique in Oslo on November 23, 2023 emphasizing the need for national unity in addressing socio economic challenges, environmental concerns, and external security threats.

“With the goal of securing meaningful socioeconomic and political reforms that pave the way for a just and lasting peace, the parties will formally return to the negotiating table after a prolonged hiatus, building on previous agreements and lessons learned," Jalandoni said in a press conference in November 2023, adding that “The road to a long and lasting peace is long. The journey will be challenging, the final destination will not be easy to reach. But we have to traverse that path because the people want and deserve it.”

Outpouring of condolences

Condolences and words about Jalandoni on social media have been pouring in as of this writing.

“I actually have no words for it... Even though I haven't seen him for a long time, I feel this loss. I wish Tita Connie, Pendong and the rest of the family lots of strength, love and power in this difficult time,” one post said.

Another post read: “Our last photo together was exactly 6 years ago, this month of June, when I attended the ILPS Conference, where Professor Jose Maria Sison retired as Chairman and was voted Chairman Emeritus of the ILPS. The event was held in Hong Kong. Rest in Power, Ka Louie.”

“Rest in Peace, Tito Louie, Thank you. Daku guid nga pasalamat.” His colleagues and friends valued his contributions to the social movement.

“Long live his contributions to the revolutionary movement in the Philippines. His legacy will be remembered, and his fight shall be carried on until national freedom and democracy with a socialist perspective is attained. Mabuhay po kayo at Pulang Saludo, Ka Louie Jalandoni,” Paul Galutera, a friend, posted.

Legacy

Like Sison, Jalandoni’s legacy remains complex and controversial. While supporters commend his dedication to social justice and peace negotiations, critics continue to question his ties to armed revolutionary movements.

For those who knew him, Luis Jalandoni wore many hats, but he will be remembered as a warm and affable presence, always offering a ready smile and thoughtful wisdom. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who deeply cherished his family. He is survived by his wife, Coni Ledesma, his son, Pendong and his wife, and their two grandchildren.

Photo Source: Joefelle Tesorio, TFCN, The Netherlands