When Did Father Jun Die? A Timeline of His Life and Legacy

Introduction

Father Jun, also known as Federico Alberto Aguilar, was a Filipino priest, environmentalist, and human rights advocate. He is best known for his work with the indigenous people of the Cordillera Administrative Region in the Philippines. He was ordained as a priest in 1970 and became a vocal critic of the government's logging and mining operations in the region.

In 1987, Fr. Jun was arrested and charged with rebellion. He was released in 1992 after the charges against him were dismissed. He continued his work with the indigenous people until he was assassinated in 2000.

When Did Father Jun Die?

Father Jun was assassinated on April 17, 2000, in front of his church in Sagada, Mountain Province. He was 55 years old. The assassins were never identified and brought to justice.

Father Jun's Legacy

Fr. Jun's legacy lives on in the work of the many organizations he founded, including the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) and the Cordillera Institute for Culture and Communication (CICC). He is considered a martyr by many Filipinos and is a symbol of the struggle for the rights of indigenous peoples.

Timeline of Father Jun's Life

• 1945: Born in Bontoc, Mountain Province, Philippines
• 1970: Ordained as a priest
• 1975: Becomes involved in the anti-logging and mining campaign in the Cordillera Administrative Region
• 1987: Arrested and charged with rebellion
• 1992: Charges against him are dismissed and he is released
• 2000: Assassinated in front of his church in Sagada, Mountain Province

Facts and Figure

According to the United Nations Development Program, indigenous peoples make up an estimated 5% of the world's population, but they are disproportionately affected by poverty, social exclusion, and environmental degradation.

In the Philippines, indigenous peoples make up an estimated 12% of the population. They are concentrated in the Cordillera Administrative Region, which is home to over 100 indigenous tribes.

The logging and mining operations in the Cordillera Administrative Region have caused widespread environmental degradation and social displacement. In 1987, the government declared the region a military zone in order to suppress the anti-logging and mining protests.

Stories and What We Learn

Story 1:

In 1995, Fr. Jun led a group of indigenous people in a blockade of a logging road in Abra province. The blockade lasted for six months and eventually forced the logging company to withdraw.

What we learn: Nonviolent resistance can be effective in achieving social and environmental change.

Story 2:

In 1998, Fr. Jun was awarded the Right Livelihood Award, also known as the "Alternative Nobel Prize," for his work with the indigenous people of the Cordillera Administrative Region.

What we learn: Fr. Jun's work was recognized internationally for its impact on the lives of indigenous peoples.

Story 3:

In 2000, Fr. Jun was assassinated in front of his church in Sagada, Mountain Province. His assassins were never identified and brought to justice.

What we learn: Fr. Jun's assassination was a tragedy, but his legacy continues to inspire people around the world to fight for the rights of indigenous peoples.

Strategies for Honoring Father Jun's Legacy

• Support indigenous rights: Speak out against the violence and discrimination that indigenous peoples face.
• Educate yourself about indigenous cultures: Learn about the history, culture, and traditions of indigenous peoples.
• Visit indigenous communities: Travel to indigenous communities and see firsthand the challenges they face.
• Donate to indigenous organizations: Support the work of organizations that are fighting for the rights of indigenous peoples.

How to Step-by-Step Approach to Follow Father Jun's Legacy

1. Learn about Father Jun and his work. Read books and articles about him, watch documentaries, and listen to podcasts.
2. Get involved in your local indigenous community. Volunteer your time, donate money, or simply learn more about the issues they face.
3. Speak out against injustice. Write letters to your elected officials, attend protests, and educate others about the importance of indigenous rights.
4. Support indigenous organizations. Donate money, volunteer your time, or simply spread the word about their work.

Why Father Jun Matters

Father Jun was a pioneer in the movement for indigenous rights. He was one of the first priests to speak out against the government's logging and mining operations in the Cordillera Administrative Region. He also helped to found the Cordillera Peoples Alliance, which is one of the largest indigenous rights organizations in the Philippines.

Father Jun's work has had a significant impact on the lives of indigenous peoples. He has helped to secure land rights for indigenous communities, protect their traditional cultures, and improve their access to education and healthcare.

Father Jun's legacy continues to inspire people around the world. He is a symbol of hope and courage for those who are fighting for the rights of indigenous peoples.

Benefits of Honoring Father Jun's Legacy

Honoring Father Jun's legacy helps to promote indigenous rights. It raises awareness of the challenges that indigenous peoples face and helps to build support for their cause.

Honoring Father Jun's legacy helps to preserve indigenous cultures. It supports the efforts of indigenous peoples to maintain their traditional ways of life.

Honoring Father Jun's legacy helps to build a more just and equitable world. It challenges the dominant narrative of history and gives voice to the marginalized.

Pros and Cons of Honoring Father Jun's Legacy

Pros:

• Raises awareness of indigenous rights
• Helps to preserve indigenous cultures
• Builds a more just and equitable world

Cons:

• Can be difficult to achieve
• May face opposition from those who benefit from the status quo
• Can be dangerous for those who are involved

Conclusion

Father Jun's assassination was a tragedy, but his legacy continues to inspire people around the world. By honoring his legacy, we can help to promote indigenous rights, preserve indigenous cultures, and build a more just and equitable world.

References

• United Nations Development Program. (2019). Indigenous Peoples: A Global Call to Action. Retrieved from https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/librarypage/poverty/indigenous_peoples_a_global_call_to_action.html
• Cordillera Peoples Alliance. (n.d.). About the CPA. Retrieved from https://cpaphils.org/about-the-cpa/
• Cordillera Institute for Culture and Communication. (n.d.). About the CICC. Retrieved from https://www.cicc.ph/about-the-cicc/
• Right Livelihood Award Foundation. (n.d.). Federico Alberto Aguilar. Retrieved from https://www.rightlivelihood.org/laureates/federico-alberto-aguilar/