Lakay Billy, Defender of Indigenous People (PRE-ORDER)

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SYNOPSIS:

Born in Lepanto, Mankayan, Benguet, on July 16, 1936, to Ludovico Ofo-ob Claver and Maria Funa-ay who were both from Bontoc, Mt. Province, William or Billy Claver had his primary and secondary education in his parents’ province. He graduated from San Beda College in 1960. The man who had a promising future as a lawyer was given a leadership award by his alma mater, and passed the Bar Exams on the same year. He eventually married Jane Abeya from Sagada, Mt. Province who was his batchmate in high school.

The Martial Law regime from 1971 to 1986 brought untold sufferings to many Filipinos, and the indigenous people of the Cordillera were not spared. As early as the start of the 70s, Claver was certain whose side he was on. He joined the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) led by human rights luminaries Jose Diokno and Lorenzo Tañada, which provided legal aid to human rights victims. For almost a decade, Claver bravely enjoined other lawyers in Northern Luzon to join the FLAG and provide pro bono assistance to victims of Martial Law in the cities and provinces.

In the 80s, after the victorious Chico Dam struggle was over, Claver traveled to far-flung areas in Cagayan and Isabela to extend legal advice and assistance to the marginalized sectors whose human rights were violated by wealthy and powerful landowners and businessmen who were protected by the military. His dedication to the cause of the indigenous peoples of the Cordillera Region made him a constant friend and adviser of indigenous activists and human rights defenders. In 1984, he was elected as the first Chairperson of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance which to this day espouses the defense of land, life, and resources of indigenous people.

After he retired from public service, he continued to provide legal counsel to the marginalized sectors in his home province of Kalinga. After surviving strokes and complications from diabetes, he peacefully passed away in the presence and comfort of his loved ones on December 15, 2011.

Published: 2018
Written by Luz B. Maranan
Illustrated by Duday Ysabel Maranan
Size: 10 x 8 inches
Length: 16 pages
Print: Full Color
Type: C2S paper, Paperbound