Dili, 06 May 2026 (Media Democracia) – The Family of the Late Liurai Verissimo expresses deep concern regarding the decision by the Ministry of National Liberation Combatants Affairs (MACLN) to annul the National Liberation Martyr title for Verissimo, who for over 20 years has been considered an important part of Timor-Leste’s independence struggle history.
According to Spokesperson José Filipe Quintas, the decision did not follow principles of transparency and clear procedures. The annulment process didn’t involve coordination with the CCLN of Lautem Municipality, which has been responsible for collecting and verifying data on veterans at the local level.
“In the municipality, we rely on existing data, but there was no in depth investigation conducted before the final decision was made, the family also laments that the decision was based only on information from certain parties, without including testimony or clarification from Verissimo’s family itself. They consider that this could affect the credibility of the process and doesn’t respect the principle of bilateral hearing, which must give all parties the opportunity to speak.” said Spokesperson José Filipe Quintas, in Esperansa Hall.
The controversy grew because information about the annulment of the Martyr Title first became public on social media, especially Facebook, before the family received Official notification.
The family stated that only on April 27, 2026 did they receive formal information, even though the decision was made on April 24, 2026 and had already gone viral on Facebook. According to the family, this situation doesn’t respect administrative procedures which normally go through Luciano Valentino “Timor-Maubere”.
In addition, the family raised concerns about the annulment process, the process to obtain a martyr title normally requires a long time, from six months to a year, through stages of data collection, investigation, and approval. But in Verissimo’s case, the annulment happened in a very short time, which raises doubts about the rigor of the investigation conducted.
In the same place, his son César Dias Quintas said that they respect institutions, but expect that decisions must be based on facts and not be influenced by the interests of certain groups.
“Last year there was an attempt to contest Verissimo’s status in Lautem Municipality, but the CCLN Lautem at that time rejected it due to insufficient evidence. We believe that right will always be right and wrong will always be wrong, but we must respect each other and not use situations like this to defame people or devalue their contributions.” said César.
He further explained that Verissimo’s family asks the public, civil society, and relevant parties to follow this case closely, to ensure that processes related to the history of the national liberation struggle are carried out with transparency, justice, and respect for all who have contributed.
To date, the Ministry of National Liberation Combatants Affairs hasn’t yet provided a detailed public explanation regarding the main reason for the annulment of the martyr title. The family hopes that there will soon be an official clarification and, if necessary, an independent investigation to establish the truth about this case.
Report By: Tomás Dos Santos
Photo By: Tomás Dos Santos