Filemon Lagman, Filipino theoretician and activist (b. 1953)

Filemon Castelar Lagman (March 17, 1953 – February 6, 2001), widely recognized by his nom de guerre, Ka Popoy, was a pivotal figure in the Philippine revolutionary socialist movement and a formidable leader for workers' rights. Embracing the core tenets of Marxism-Leninism, his political trajectory was marked by a deep commitment to social change and an unyielding advocacy for the working class.

A significant turn in Ka Popoy’s political life occurred in 1991 when he, along with other ideologically aligned comrades, fundamentally diverged from the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). This schism, rooted in profound strategic and ideological differences that came to define the "rejectionist" movement within the Philippine Left, led him to co-found two influential organizations: the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), or the Solidarity of Filipino Workers, which became a prominent labor center advocating for workers' economic and political rights; and Sanlakas, a multi-sectoral alliance dedicated to broader social justice issues and popular empowerment.

Following this seminal split, Ka Popoy was instrumental in the establishment of the Partido ng Manggagawang Pilipino (PMP), or the Filipino Workers' Party. This party operated as an underground revolutionary socialist entity, reflecting its commitment to radical societal transformation. After his untimely death, the PMP continued his legacy by merging with other like-minded progressive groups, namely the Sosyalistang Partido ng Paggawa (Socialist Party of Labor) and the Partido para sa Proletaryong Demokrasya (Party for Proletarian Democracy), solidifying a broader front for socialist ideals in the Philippines.

Ka Popoy's journey into activism began in the crucible of the 1970s, during the tumultuous period known as the First Quarter Storm. This era of intense student activism and protests against the Marcos dictatorship saw him emerge as a committed member of the Samahang Demokratiko ng Kabataan (SDK), or the Democratic Association of the Youth. His dedication was so profound that after only a year of collegiate studies at the prestigious University of the Philippines, he chose to go underground. This meant operating clandestinely, dedicating his full time and energy to organizing workers in factories and mobilizing urban poor communities, particularly in the vital northern sector of Metro Manila, where labor struggles and social inequalities were most acute.

By the mid-1970s, Ka Popoy's organizational prowess and revolutionary fervor earned him the position of Secretary of the Manila-Rizal Regional Party Committee of the CPP. From this strategic vantage point, he spearheaded a broad formation that controversially but courageously challenged the Marcos dictatorship by advocating for participation in the 1978 Batasan Pambansa elections. This move represented a significant tactical divergence from the CPP's central leadership, which vehemently admonished Ka Popoy and his entire regional committee. The Central Committee’s stance, deeply rooted in the strategy of protracted people's war, emphasized heading to the countryside to wage armed struggle against the dictatorship, thus rejecting any form of electoral engagement with the Marcos regime. Despite this profound ideological and strategic rift, Ka Popoy's leadership of the Manila-Rizal Regional Party Committee was reinstated after the momentous EDSA uprising of 1986, also known as the People Power Revolution, which ultimately toppled the Marcos dictatorship. Throughout these internal party differences, Ka Popoy remained steadfast in his commitment, striving harder to strengthen and adapt revolutionary work within the capital city, recognizing the critical role of urban movements in the national struggle.

Beyond his organizational leadership, Ka Popoy is uniquely distinguished for his significant intellectual contributions during the CPP's internal struggles. He stood out as the only Party leader to articulate the most comprehensive and in-depth critiques against the fundamental guiding documents of the CPP-New People's Army (NPA). These critiques, profound in their theoretical scope, became popularly known as his "Counter-Theses":

Tragically, Ka Popoy's life was cut short when he was shot dead in the Bahay ng Alumni, a prominent building within the University of the Philippines Diliman campus in Quezon City, on February 8, 2001. His assassination occurred during a politically volatile period, just weeks after the EDSA II People Power uprising that led to the ousting of President Joseph Estrada and the ascent of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the presidency. Initial speculations suggested that his assassination might have been orchestrated by a pro-Estrada faction within the military, with the aim of destabilizing the newly formed Arroyo government. However, subsequent police investigations presented another lead, indicating that the assassins and culprits may have emanated from the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB), itself another significant "rejectionist" faction that had broken away from the CPP. Despite various leads and investigations, the perpetrators of Ka Popoy's murder had not been apprehended as of 2008, underscoring the enduring challenge of achieving justice in politically motivated killings in the Philippines. Compounding this, in July 2007, the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office made the decision to drop the case against eight suspected communist assassins due to the inability of witnesses to attend the preliminary investigations, further highlighting the complexities and obstacles in seeking accountability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Filemon "Ka Popoy" Lagman

Who was Filemon "Ka Popoy" Lagman?
Filemon Castelar Lagman, or Ka Popoy, was a prominent Filipino revolutionary socialist and workers' leader who adhered to Marxism-Leninism. He was a key figure in the Philippine Left, known for his leadership in labor organizing, his critical ideological contributions, and his split from the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to form new progressive movements.
Why did Ka Popoy Lagman split from the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)?
Ka Popoy Lagman's split from the CPP in 1991 was part of a larger "rejectionist" movement within the Philippine Left. This schism was primarily due to fundamental ideological and strategic differences, particularly his critique of the CPP's adherence to the protracted people's war strategy and its analysis of Philippine society, as detailed in his influential "Counter-Theses."
What organizations did Ka Popoy Lagman co-found after the split?
After his split from the CPP, Ka Popoy Lagman co-founded the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), a significant labor center, and Sanlakas, a multi-sectoral alliance. He also led the formation of the Partido ng Manggagawang Pilipino (PMP), an underground revolutionary socialist party.
What was the significance of Ka Popoy Lagman's "Counter-Theses"?
Ka Popoy Lagman's "Counter-Theses" were comprehensive and in-depth critiques against the foundational documents of the CPP-NPA. They challenged the Party's analysis of Philippine society as "semi-feudal," its strategy of protracted armed struggle, and its organizational methods, advocating for a reorientation towards urban-based organizing and democratic mass work. These critiques significantly shaped the intellectual discourse within the Philippine Left.
When and where was Ka Popoy Lagman assassinated?
Filemon "Ka Popoy" Lagman was tragically assassinated on February 8, 2001, at the Bahay ng Alumni building within the University of the Philippines Diliman campus in Quezon City.
Have the perpetrators of Ka Popoy Lagman's assassination been brought to justice?
As of 2008, the perpetrators of Ka Popoy Lagman's assassination had not been apprehended. In July 2007, the case against eight suspected communist assassins was dropped due to witnesses' inability to attend preliminary investigations, leaving the case unsolved and justice unserved.