The New People’s Army (NPA) marked its 57th anniversary on March 29 in discussions, production, and small assemblies in the warm company of the peasant masses in the countryside. Red fighters celebrated their victories in the past year, while earnestly drawing lessons from their setbacks.
That same day, the NPA demonstrated its defence capability when the 68th IB attacked its unit in Barangay Monteclaro, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. The encounter killed military officer Capt. Dean Buen Oyando and wounded two others.
Led by the Communist Party of the Philippines and guided by the rectification movement, the NPA has been successfully thwarting the regime’s ruthless fascist suppression against the people’s army and the masses fighting in the countryside and cities. Positive experiences in the revolutionary armed struggle have outnumbered the negative since the recitification movement was launched.
Guided by the Party, and facing the further miserable national crisis, the revolutionary spirit and determination of NPA’s Red fighters to fight for and defend the oppressed and exploited masses grow even firmer and stronger. The past year saw waves of youth, both in the countryside and cities, responding to the call to support and join the people’s army. They infuse the NPA with fresh blood and renewed vitality to advance the armed struggle.
The NPA also renewed its efforts to issue the Pulang Bandila (Red Flag), first published in 1985, but stopped for several decades. The National Operational Command now recirculates it through its Political Section. According to the army, the publication’s release accompanies its determined advance of the armed revolution contributing to the task of overthrowing the puppet and fascist US-Marcos regime.
Full trust and support for NPA
From the mountains, plains, cities, national capital to distant seas, the National Democratic Front (NDF) and its allied organizations warmly greeted the NPA’s beloved Red commanders and fighters. They held marches, assemblies, discussions and poster-and-grafitti operations in Metro Manila, Cordillera, Pampanga, Southern Tagalog, Bicol, and Cebu. Most prominent among these was the long march of revolutionary groups in Manila. Activities were also held in Australia, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and United States.
“We are ever ready to expand and consolidate our organizations for the armed struggle and contribute more Red commanders and fighters to the people’s army,” NDF secretary general Elias Dipasupil declared.
The Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid (National Peasant Alliance) declared its unwavering trust and support for the people’s army, and pledged to support the army in its efforts to strengthen the revolutionary peasant movement in the guerrilla fronts. The Revolutionary Council of Trade Unions will also intensify efforts to serve as a wellspring of tens of thousands of revolutionary workers who will lead the people’s war.
Meanwhile, Kabataang Makabayan (KM, or Patriotic Youth) accepted the challenge to deliver new blood and vitality for NPA. They are ready to traverse the protracted and arduous path to advance the people’s war.
NDF-Metro Manila declared full support for NPA. The group from the national capital endeavors to organize workers, urban poor, and youth to go to the countryside.
NDF allies including Artista at Manunulat ng Sambayanan (People’s Artists and Writers), Christians for National Liberation, Compatriots, Cordillera People’s Democratic Front, Katipunan ng mga Gurong Makabayan (Alliance of Patriotic Teachers), Liga ng Agham para sa Bayan (League of Scientists for the People), and Makabayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan (Patriotic Movement of New Women) also sent messages on the NPA’s anniversary.
Friends of the Filipino People in Struggle and its chapters worldwide also conveyed greetings to the people’s army. Several overseas parties and organizations from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Ireland, and Ukraine marked the NPA’s anniversary.
