CPP, still combative at 55

BAGUIO CITY — Despite the government’s renewed effort to negotiate peace with Maoist rebels, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), commemorating its 55th anniversary, reaffirmed on Tuesday its commitment to armed revolution.

In the 18-page statement it released, the CPP’s Central Committee outlined its worldview, member tasks, and directives for its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).

It said that part of its agenda for 2024 is focusing on exposing and opposing the Philippine government’s economic policies promoted by what it referred to as United States imperialism.

The statement also mentioned directives to the NPA to strengthen, recover from losses, and rebuild its mass base. In addition, it was directed to “acquire weapons for Red fighters by seizing these from the enemy through tactical offensives or by other means.” 

Politically, the CPP Central Committee urged its cadres to “take advantage of the splits within the ruling Marcos and Duterte cliques, by pushing the demand for accounting and punishment of Duterte and his cohorts for the crimes they perpetrated during their time in power.”

However, the CPP advocates for the National Democratic Front of the Philippines’ representation in peace negotiations, opposing schemes of capitulation.

Still, the CPP pledged to strengthen fraternal communist relations and wage active ideological struggles against revisionist currents, such as Trotskyism and Gonzaloism. — Artemio A. Dumlao