Luis Taruc
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Luis Taruc (1913 - May 4, 2005) was a Philippine Communist political figure and revolutionary. He was the leader of the Hukbalahap rebel group between 1942 and 1954. His involvement with the movement came after his initiation on the problems of agrarian Filipinos when he was a student in the early 1930s. Under his leadership, the Hukbalahap became a potent force comating the foreign aggressors during the Second World War. Taruc was elected to the House of Representatives but was not allowed to take his seat in Congress driving him back to the hills. At the height of its popularity , the Hukbalahap reached a fighting strength of 10,000 to 15,000.
In early 1954, Benigno Aquino Jr., then a reporter, was appointed by president Ramon Magsaysay to act as personal emissary to Luis Taruc. After four months of negotiations, Taruc surrendered unconditionally to the government. He was brought to court and sentenced to twelve years in prison. After his release, he continued to work for Agrarian reforms.