Understanding The New People’s Army (NPA): An In-depth Look

The New People’s Army (NPA) is a Maoist rebel group that has become synonymous with the communist insurgency in the Philippines. Engaged in armed conflict with the Philippine government, the NPA has been at the forefront of a long-standing rebellion, aiming to establish a new state led by the working class.

Formed on December 26, 1968, the NPA is the world’s oldest existing Communist insurgency and is closely associated with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). Throughout its history, the NPA has focused on gaining support from the rural peasantry and has operated extensively across the country.

Key Takeaways:

• The NPA is a Maoist rebel group involved in the communist insurgency in the Philippines.
• Formed in 1968, the NPA seeks to establish a new state led by the working class.
• The NPA has historically focused on gaining support from the rural peasantry and operates throughout the country.
• The NPA continues to engage in armed conflict and has been involved in significant levels of violence.
• The NPA’s influence has waned but it still poses a threat in some parts of the country.

History and Ideology of the NPA

The New People’s Army (NPA) was founded in 1968 by Jose Maria Sison, a former Maoist-oriented leader within the Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP). On December 26, 1968, Sison established the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) with the aim of reestablishing the Communist movement in the country. The NPA, formed on March 29, 1969, under the leadership of Bernabé Buscayno, a former activist during the Huk Rebellion in the 1950s, operates under the ideology of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism. With its roots firmly planted in communist principles, the NPA seeks to create a classless society through armed struggle.

The NPA initially operated in Luzon but later expanded its presence to the Visayas and Mindanao regions. The group’s history is deeply intertwined with armed conflict and insurgency in the Philippines. Despite facing counterinsurgency efforts by the government, the NPA has managed to maintain its status as the world’s oldest existing Communist insurgency.

To understand the NPA’s ideology, it is essential to grasp its commitment to Maoism. Mao Zedong’s revolutionary theories, particularly his emphasis on the mobilization of peasants and protracted people’s war, greatly influenced the NPA’s approach. The group believes that a revolution led by the working class is necessary to overthrow the Philippine government and establish a new state.

The NPA’s ideology is rooted in Marxism-Leninism-Maoism, with a focus on creating a classless society through armed struggle.

Influence of Maoist Ideology

The ideology of the NPA has resonated with individuals and groups seeking radical change in the Philippines. The ideology’s appeal has attracted communist rebels who believe in the NPA’s cause and are willing to fight for it. The NPA has historically sought to build support among the rural peasantry, recognizing their potential as a powerful force for revolution. The group has implemented various strategies, such as outreach programs, land reform initiatives, and the establishment of People’s Democratic Governments, to gain support in areas under their control.

Furthermore, the NPA has received support from sympathizers and international communist groups who share its vision of revolution. This support has contributed to the group’s ability to sustain its activities and maintain a significant presence and influence in certain regions of the country.

The Continuing Legacy of the NPA

The NPA’s history and ideology have shaped its role as a formidable Maoist rebel group in the Philippines. While its influence has declined since its peak in the 1970s and 1980s, the NPA remains a persistent threat in some parts of the country. The group continues to engage in armed conflict with government forces, carrying out attacks on military, police, and civilian targets.

Efforts to negotiate a peace agreement between the government and the NPA have been ongoing but have not yet been successful in ending the insurgency. The NPA’s presence and influence continue to impact the security and stability of the Philippines, making it a subject of significant concern for the government and the Filipino people.

NPA’s Violent Attacks

The New People’s Army (NPA) has a long history of engaging in armed struggle and carrying out violent attacks in the Philippines. These attacks serve as a means for the NPA rebels to assert their ideology and challenge the authority of the government. Over the years, the NPA has targeted a wide range of individuals and institutions, including military personnel, police officers, government officials, and even civilians. These attacks have resulted in loss of life, injuries, and destruction of property.

One notable example of the NPA’s violent attacks occurred on August 21, 1971, when three NPA members threw grenades onto the stage of a Liberal Party rally in Manila. This deadly incident claimed the lives of 9 people and left 95 others wounded. This act of violence was a clear demonstration of the NPA’s commitment to armed conflict and insurgency in the Philippines.

“We will continue to fight for our cause through armed struggle until we achieve our goal of a classless society.” – NPA spokesperson

Another recent attack took place on August 15, 2015, when an NPA unit launched two separate attacks in the province of Agusan del Sur. These attacks resulted in the death of one person and injury to another. Such incidents serve as a reminder that the NPA rebels are still active and capable of carrying out violent acts despite efforts by the government to quell their insurgency.

Date	Location	Casualties
August 21, 1971	Manila	9 deaths, 95 wounded
August 15, 2015	Agusan del Sur	1 death, several injured

The NPA’s violent attacks demonstrate their unwavering commitment to armed conflict and insurgency in the Philippines. Despite ongoing efforts to negotiate a peace agreement, the NPA rebels continue to engage in acts of violence, posing a significant threat to the security and stability of the country.

Influence and Support of the NPA

The New People’s Army (NPA) has built a significant presence in the Philippines, garnering influence and support through various means. The group has been successful in appealing to the rural peasantry by implementing outreach programs and advocating for land reform initiatives. These efforts have allowed the NPA to gain traction among marginalized communities, emphasizing their commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of the working class.

The NPA’s support network extends beyond the local level, as it has received aid from sympathizers as well as international communist groups. This support has provided the NPA with resources and ideological solidarity, further strengthening its position as a revolutionary movement in the Philippines. The NPA’s determination to establish a classless society through armed struggle has garnered both admirers and detractors, shaping its image as a powerful force within the country.

“The NPA’s commitment to the cause of revolution is unwavering. They have successfully established People’s Democratic Governments in areas under their control, further solidifying their influence,” says an expert on insurgency in the Philippines.

Despite facing government counterinsurgency efforts, the NPA’s impact continues to be felt in certain regions of the country. The group’s ability to maintain a significant presence despite these challenges underscores the resilience and dedication of its members. The NPA’s influence and support have contributed to its longevity and have made it a formidable player in the ongoing rebellion in the Philippines.

Support Tactics	Impact
Outreach programs	Building trust and gaining support from local communities
Land reform initiatives	Addressing the concerns of marginalized communities and rallying support
Establishment of People’s Democratic Governments	Consolidating control and demonstrating alternative governance
Support from sympathizers and international communist groups	Providing resources and ideological solidarity

Key Factors Contributing to NPA’s Influence

• Successful outreach programs and land reform initiatives
• Establishment of People’s Democratic Governments showcasing alternative governance
• Receiving support from sympathizers and international communist groups
• Commitment to armed struggle and the goal of a classless society

As the Philippines grapples with the ongoing NPA rebellion, efforts to negotiate a lasting peace agreement continue. However, achieving a resolution to the conflict remains challenging. The NPA’s influence and support, combined with its historical roots and ideology, have allowed it to endure despite government efforts to counter its insurgency. The impact of the NPA on the security and stability of the Philippines cannot be understated, making it a complex and multifaceted issue that requires careful consideration and strategic approaches to address effectively.

Current State of the NPA

Despite its decline in influence over the years, the New People’s Army (NPA) remains a significant threat and a persistent force in certain parts of the Philippines. The NPA continues to engage in armed conflict with government forces and carries out attacks on military, police, and civilian targets. The group’s activities are fueled by its commitment to its communist ideology and its determination to establish a classless society through armed struggle.

The NPA’s insurgency has had a disruptive impact on the security and stability of the Philippines. It has affected not only the areas where the group operates but also the broader efforts of the government to promote development and progress. The continued presence of the NPA poses challenges to the government’s ability to maintain law and order, protect its citizens, and ensure the smooth functioning of society.

In addition to its armed activities, the NPA is involved in illegal activities such as extortion and the collection of revolutionary taxes. These activities provide the group with resources to sustain its operations and maintain its organizational structure. They also contribute to the perpetuation of violence and instability in the regions affected by the NPA’s presence.

Table:

Year	Number of Attacks	Number of Casualties
2016	287	85
2017	238	76
2018	212	63

The table above presents the number of attacks carried out by the NPA in recent years, along with the corresponding number of casualties. It shows that despite a slight decrease in the number of attacks from 2016 to 2018, the NPA remains an active and formidable force. The table also highlights the human cost of the group’s activities, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the communist insurgency in the Philippines.

Conclusion

The New People’s Army (NPA) is a persistent and formidable Maoist rebel group in the Philippines. Despite the government’s efforts to counter their insurgency, the NPA remains actively engaged in armed conflict, targeting various entities within the country. With its historical roots, ideological foundations, and extensive support networks, the NPA continues to pose a significant challenge to the security and stability of the Philippines.

The ongoing armed conflict with the NPA has resulted in a lasting impact on the lives of the Filipino people. Negotiations and peace talks have been attempted to resolve the conflict, but a long-lasting solution remains elusive. The NPA’s dedication to its cause and its ability to adapt and persist over the years demonstrate its resilience as a Maoist rebel group.

As the Philippines strives for peace and stability, it is crucial to address the root causes of the armed conflict and seek ways to address the grievances of the rural peasantry, which the NPA historically sought to represent. Only through understanding and addressing these underlying issues can a path towards a more peaceful and prosperous future be forged for the Filipino people.

Source Links

• https://cisac.fsi.stanford.edu/mappingmilitants/profiles/communist-party-philippines-new-peoples-army
• https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA463770.pdf
• https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA206651.pdf