CPP founder Joma Sison dies at 83

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 17) – Jose Maria “Joma” Sison, founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), has died at the age of 83, the CPP said.

“The Filipino proletariat and toiling people grieve the death of their teacher and guiding light,” the party said on Saturday.

Sison died after two weeks of confinement in a hospital located in Utrecht, The Netherlands, at around 8:40 p.m. (Philippine time) on Dec. 16, the CPP said in a statement.

“The entire Communist Party of the Philippines gives the highest possible tribute to its founding chairman, great Marxist-Leninist-Maoist thinker, patriot, internationalist and revolutionary leader,” it also said.

“Even as we mourn, we vow continue to give all our strength and determination to carry the revolution forward guided by the memory and teachings of the people's beloved Ka Joma,” the statement added.

Sison founded the CPP on Dec. 26, 1968.

This story will be updated.