Correspondence Reports:
NPA gains strength in Mindanao

Basahin ang artikulong ito sa Pilipino

(Based on the National Democratic Front-Mindanao's solidarity greetings to the New People's Army on the latter's 34th anniversary last March 29).

The NPA has launched more than 100 tactical offensives in various parts of the island since last year, the latest being the successful raid on the armory of the Paper Industries Corp. of the Philippines (PICOP) in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur on March 21 that yielded 92 high-powered rifles (HPR) as well as ammunition. Also prominent were the following:

(a) raid on the capitol of Mati, Davao Oriental where seven HPRs were seized;

(b) ambush on a company of the 72nd IB in Talaingod, Davao del Norte that yielded nine HPRs;

(c) raid in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, where 10 HPRs were confiscated;

These three tactical offensives were all launched last February.

(d) raid on the municipal hall of Carmen, Agusan del Norte in December 2002 that yielded nine HPRs;

(e) raid in Maco, Compostela Valley in September 2002 that netted 27 HPRs and several rounds of ammunition.

The NPA also successfully advanced the minimum program of agrarian revolution, thoroughly gladdening the masses and benefiting them. Many guerrilla fronts in Mindanao were able to wage various forms of antifeudal mass actions such as, among others, campaigns to raise wages of farm workers, reduce land rent and raise farmgate prices. Thousands of people benefited from these struggles. In northcentral Mindanao, more than 30 barrios were able to launch antifeudal mass actions directly benefiting more than 3,500 people. In northeastern Mindanao, more than 30 barrios launched mass actions, with more than 5,500 people benefiting from their victories. In southern Mindanao, widespread mass actions covered 71 barrios in 14 town centers and were joined by thousands of persons. Other mass actions were also launched in other parts of Mindanao.

The NPA continues to grow in Mindanao. There are thousands of Red fighters, whose number grew by 20% in recent years. The number of main guerrilla units in guerrilla fronts and regions also grew. The NPA continues to develop its guerrilla units' capabilities in terms of tactics and techniques. Aside from successfully launching its own tactical offensives, the NPA was able, in a number of instances, to seize the initiative from attacking enemy forces that had bigger and more advantageous formations.

21 April 2003
English Edition

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