Lawyers Beverly Selim-Musni of Karapatan-Northern Mindanao, UPLM secretary general Carlos Isagani Zarate, Eduardo Estores of UPLM
Southern Mindanao, Jose Begil of UPLM Caraga, National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) president Edre Olalia and Makabayan party leader Satur Ocampo have confirmed their attendance, said Labis.
He added that progressive sectoral organizations Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), and Anakbayan will also send representatives.
“Representatives of Buffalo-Tamaraw-Limus (BTL) from Bukidnon province will also pay their respects. Manong Fred (Gapu
z) used to be their legal counsel in their struggle for land against Central Mindanao University in Maramag, Bukidnon,” said Labis.
Detained political prisoners in different parts of the island will also bid farewell to Gapuz through video clips, which will be shown at the tribute.
In the course of his legal career, Gapuz had represented political prisoners since the Martial Law years, including National Democratic Front peace consultant Wilfredo “Ka Paris” Mapano, who is currently detained at the Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail.
Gapuz himself was arrested at the outset of Martial Law and detained in Camp Evangelista, the 4th Infantry Division’s headquarters in Barangay Patag here.
“Poverty is a question of law. It is our challenge as public interest lawyers to save what remains of the law for the benefit of our people’s human rights, as we envision a social order where equality is lived and does not merely exist as a concept in legalese,” the late lawyer had said.
Gapuz, 77, passed away in the afternoon of May 12 at his residence in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental.
He is survived by wife Liberty Janubas-Gapuz and children Emmanuel, Michael, Andrew, Maria Catherine and Fernando Frederico. (Cong Corrales/MindaNews)
