The recent victories of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the first three months of 2025 decisively disprove enemy propaganda that claims that the revolutionary forces are a “spent force” and that only one or a few fronts remain intact. On the contrary, consecutive tactical offensives and active defense operations in various regions demonstrate the growing strength of the people’s army.
NPA launch strike operations in Masbate and Rizal
In Masbate, the NPA Jose Rapsing Command carried out four consecutive tactical offensives on March 29 to mark the 56th anniversary of the NPA. The coordinated actions inflicted two casualties on the enemy forces and two more were reportedly wounded. On March 15, Red fighters fired at AFP troops stationed in Barangay San Vicente, Dimasalang. This was followed by another harassment operation on March 22, where Red fighters fired at one of the military headquarters in Barangay Estampar, Cataingan. On March 17, NPA-Masbate paralyzed a mixer truck to mete punishment against an ongoing construction project in Barangay Santa Cruz, Placer that violated the revolutionary movement’s guidelines in the area.
“The Jose Rapsing Command (NPA-Masbate) expresses deep gratitude to the Masbatenyo masses for their significant contributions to the success of the implemented actions,” NPA-Masbate spokesperson Ka Luz del Mar said. Likewise, the spokesperson commended the Red fighters who played crucial roles in executing tactical offensive plans against mercenary military forces, police, and CAFGU.
Meanwhile, in Rizal, the NPA Narciso Antanzo Aramil Command launched a successful ambush operation against elements of the 80th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on February 17. The operation left one soldier killed and disrupted their military operations to intimidate peasant communities resisting land-grabbing and militarization.
NPA-Rizal spokesperson Macario Liwanag (Ka Karyo) said the offensive is “a strike against the troops launching sustained focused military operations that squander public funds and serve as oppressors and nuisance to the area and the people…” Ka Karyo added that the 80th IB’s continuing operations in Rizal serve to protect anti-people projects that have displaced farmers and indigenous peoples in Antipolo City and other towns in the province.
AFP suffers casualties in NPA active defense in West Camarines Sur and Mindoro
On February 23 and 24, Red fighters in West Camarines Sur (Norben Gruta Command) decisively engaged AFP troops in active defense in two separate instances effectively repelling their attacks, neutralizing 11 enemy soldiers and wounding 7 others. Red fighter Angelo “Ka Kim” San Diego fell in the successive battles. The Norben Gruta Command through NPA-West Camarines Sur Spokesperson Ka Michael Robredo, gave the highest honors to Ka Kim who bravely faced the enemy and gave his life in service of the people. The battle nevertheless highlighted the NPA’s capacity to repel military operations despite the state’s intensified counterrevolutionary campaign.
Similarly, in Mindoro, the NPA Lucio De Guzman Command successfully repelled operations of the 203rd Infantry Brigade on February 11, resulting in four casualties on the side of the enemy. In Sityo Kalinisan, Barangay Bayutbut, San Jose, the Red fighters defended against the 68th IB attacking force. Less than an hour after this, the NPA-Mindoro unit also actively defended against the 4th IB’s deceptive operation and raid in Sityo Tignuan, Barangay Teresita, Mansalay.
“The NPA promptly learned about the approaching enemy so it effectively carried out active defense that resulted into the deaths two of the attacking troops,” NPA-Mindoro spokesperson Ka Madaay Gasic said. The maneuver warfare employed by Red fighters effectively countered the AFP’s offensives, forcing them to retreat. .
Mass support form the backbone of revolutionary success
These victories would not have been possible without the full support of the masses. Their courage and commitment through the people’s intelligence network, logistical assistance and active participation – has been crucial in every successful operation. The revolutionary movement thrives because of the deep-rooted unity between the Red fighters and the oppressed communities they serve.
These recent victories serve as a fitting tribute to the 56th anniversary of the New People’s Army, highlighting the continuing vitality and growing strength of the revolutionary movement. The past months have also proven the NPA’s continued ability to launch successful tactical offensives and active defense operations across different regions despite relentless state attacks. These victories reaffirm the Filipino masses’ continuing support that serves as the backbone of the revolutionary movement and its successes.
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) is the revolutionary united front organization of the Filipino people fighting for national freedom and for the democratic rights of the people. The NDFP seeks to develop and coordinate all progressive classes, sectors and forces in the Filipino people’s struggle to end the rule of US imperialism and its local allies of big landlords and compradors, and attain national and social liberation.