I met Sherwin last year when we frequented Corazon de Jesus in San Juan City while we were making the film Barikada and documenting their struggle against demolition. I wasn't able to get to know him well but whenever we go to Corazon de Jesus, he always greeted us with a smile, asked if we already ate, offer a cup of coffee and ask for a cigarette stick.
After the demolition in Corazon de Jesus last January 25, 2011, I always saw him in front of the barricades whenever there's a demolition threat in their community.
Barely six months ago, he decided to join the New People's Army (NPA) because he believed that whatever defense he does in front of the barricades in their community, whether they win or lose in their struggle, the root causes of demolitions in different communities will still persist unless the system will be changed through armed revolution. He left his comfort zone and chose to live a life full of sacrifices as a revolutionary serving the broad masses in the countrysides.
Sherwin, a true hero of the people! His life will never be put to waste. We will live to see the fulfillment of the struggle for a better society, and if we work harder, that would be in a few years.
The photos below are during the tribute for Sherwin and funeral last July 15, 2012.
