News that the fourth fatality of Tuesday night’s (Nov 13) bomb attack on the Philippines House Representatives was local GCAP Philippines activist Julasiri “Niki” Hayudini, has been met with shock and condemnation worldwide.
Julasiri “Niki” Hayudini, 49, was Vice President of the Assalam Bangsamoro People’s Association, a local non-governmental organization active in the GCAP-Philippines coalition. He was an aide and close friend of Representative Wahab Akbar, who was also killed in the blast.
Fellow GCAP members in the Philippines today condemned the bombing saying that Niki’s decision to be part of the congressional staff was part of his dedication to do his utmost to make a real difference in his hometown of Basilan. The area is considered the poorest in the Philippines and is a known stronghold of the Islamic separatist Group Abu Sayyaf. Just weeks ago Niki was an active part of the local “Stand Up Speak Out” campaign on October 17th, which mobilized over 7 million Filipinos.
“I remember Niki in GCAP-Philippine meetings as friendly, cheerful and reliable and I am greatly saddened by the news. He was articularly active with youth campaigners who he encouraged to take the lead in calling for policies to end poverty in their communities. This cowardly attack leaves the poor he campaigned so tirelessly in an even more precarious situation and we vow to carry on his work in whatever way we can,” said Marivic Raquiza of GCAP Philippines.
“All of us around the world in GCAP mourn Niki’s death, condemn the attack and weep for the sad state of affairs that the Philippines has fallen into. The country that has failed to protect its citizens from crushing poverty and hunger has now failed to protect its own officials so that terrorists can come through the gates of Congress and bomb lawmakers. Niki will not be forgotten and his work will go on through the massive global anti poverty alliance he was part of.” said Ana Agostino, Sylvia Borren and Kumi Naidoo, Co-Chairs of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty alliance.
