Randall Echanis’ poem turned song “Hindi Namin Kayo Titigilan” is now a sworn anthem for sectors seeking justice

The song ‘Hindi Namin Kayo Titigilan,’ an adaptation of the poem written by slain NDFP peace consultant Randall Echanis, has now become an anthem for farmers and sectors seeking justice.

Echanis, a long-time peace consultant and leader of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and Anakpawis Partylist, wrote the poem in 2008 while he was in detention at the Manila City Jail during the administration of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The poem was included in the literary journal Panata sa Paglaya (Vow to Freedom) published by the then Free Randall Echanis Movement (Freedom) and KMP.

BP Combo, a group of artist-activists and peasant advocates debuted the song version during the launching of the Justice for Echanis, Justice for All (JEJA) network at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani last year. Ever since, the song became a regular performance in face-to-face protest actions and online rallies.

“It’s both an ode and tribute to Ka Randy Echanis and all activists killed in the course of their struggle. Whenever we hear or sing the song, we remember Ka Randy. We seek justice for all those killed as we continue to fight for the living,” says Anakpawis National President and former representative Ariel Casilao.

The lyrics of the song depict determination to fight against oppression and tyranny. “We dedicate the song to President Rodrigo Duterte and his ilk. Kahit ano pang sabihin ni Duterte, hindi titigil ang mamamayan sa paglaban.”

The song will be featured in an online memorial for the first anniversary of Echanis’ brutal killing. The online program will be broadcasted via Anakpawis Partylist’s Facebook page tonight at 7PM.

WATCH a music video of the song Hindi Namin Kayo Titigilan here: 
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?extid=SEO—-&v=377091886877264

HINDI NAMIN KAYO TITIGILAN

Bakit ko kayo titigilan
Kung patuloy ninyong
Pinipiga, pinapahirapan ang mga magsasaka
At dinudusta ang masa
Hindi namin kayo titigilan

Bakit ko kayo titigilan
Kung patuloy ninyong kinukurakot ang pondo ng bayan,
Pinapatay kinukulong at dinudukot ang mga aktibista
Na sa inyo’y lumalaban
Hindi namin kayo titigilan

Bakit ko kayo titigilan
Kung patuloy kayong sunud-sunuran sa mga sakim na dayuhan
Na dumarambong sa yaman
Ng mahal kong bayan
Hinding hindi ko kayo titigilan
Hindi namin kayo titigilan

Hangga’t may palalong tirano
Na nakaupo sa palasyo
Hangga’t ang mga anakpawis ay walang kapangyarihan
Hinding hindi ko kayo titigilan
Hindi namin kayo titigilan!

Hinding hindi namin kayo titigilan.