The Philippine's Maoist Guerrillas are Making a Comeback
Feb 14, 2025
auto_awesome
Georgi Engelbrecht, a Senior analyst at Crisis Group specializing in the New People's Army, discusses the surprising resurgence of Maoist guerrillas in the Philippines. He delves into the historical roots of the New People's Army, exploring their ongoing recruitment drives amid socio-political injustices. Engelbrecht highlights the brutal tactics employed by the NPA and the complex relationship between the government and guerrillas, revealing the evolving strategies in guerrilla warfare and the challenges faced in their fight for change.
The New People's Army's resurgence is fueled by socio-economic injustices, primarily recruiting disillusioned youth from marginalized communities seeking justice and representation.
Despite losing key leadership figures, the NPA remains resilient, leveraging grassroots support and tactical adaptability to maintain relevance and execute guerrilla strategies.
Deep dives
The History and Evolution of the New People's Army
The New People's Army (NPA) originated in the late 1960s as the militant wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, arising from the remnants of earlier resistance movements. It gained momentum during a period marked by socio-economic disparity and political repression, particularly under President Marcos's martial law. The initial impetus for the group was a reaction to injustices faced by rural communities and the exploitation by landlords, which resonated with many Filipinos experiencing similar struggles. Over decades, despite facing significant government crackdowns, the NPA has managed to sustain itself through a combination of ideological commitment and adapting to shifting political landscapes.
Recruitment and Support Mechanisms
The NPA's recruitment strategy is deeply rooted in the socio-economic conditions and injustices prevalent in the Philippines, with young people often motivated by inequality rather than mere poverty. Many new recruits come from marginalized backgrounds or areas where the government has failed to provide basic services, leading to disillusionment with existing political structures. This discontent is exacerbated by the presence of powerful political dynasties, causing frustration and a desire for change among the youth. The NPA capitalizes on this discontent by offering an alternative narrative that resonates with those yearning for justice and representation against a backdrop of systemic inequality.
Challenges Following Leadership Loss
The loss of key leaders, such as José María Sison, has led to a crisis in command within the NPA, complicating their organizational structure while still allowing them to maintain some military capacity. The Philippine government has touted the weakening of the NPA due to these leadership changes; however, grassroots organizations and local sympathizers continue to provide essential support for the movement. Despite the NPA facing intensified military pressure, they remain resilient and capable of tactical responses, illustrated by their recent activities in local conflicts and guerrilla attacks. This ongoing situation highlights an enduring ability to regroup and maintain relevance despite significant challenges and losses.
Impacts of Government Counterinsurgency Strategies
The government's approach under different administrations has significantly impacted the NPA's operations and community relations, including both military action and developmental initiatives aimed at winning local support. In some regions, the military has sought to mitigate the NPA's influence by improving local living conditions and fostering goodwill through infrastructure development. However, this has sparked a dual response from the insurgents, who simultaneously aim to demonstrate their relevance through military actions while reconnecting with local populations. The complexity of these interactions shows that while the NPA is indeed pressured, their ideological foundation and local support networks are not easily dismantled, leaving open the possibility for continued insurgency in the long term.
Today we speak to analyst Georgi Engelbrecht about the renewed violence of the Filipino communist guerrillas, New People's Army. They're making a comeback, launching attacks in the jungle and recruiting new fighters.