Celebrations mounted by various units of the Party and New People’s Army to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on December 26 were lively and full of lessons. These were successfully held despite relentless attacks by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Simple yet something to be proud of.” This was how the NPA-Agusan del Norte described their celebration which was attended by the masses. Celebrations were also held in Bicol, Central Luzon, Negros, North Central Mindanao and Cagayan Valley. Friends of the revolution and peasant masses attended these events.

Ilocos-Cordillera. According to the National Democratic Front-Ilocos, the revolutionary base remains strong and continues to expand across the region, contrary to claims by the AFP that it has cleared it of NPA presence. Kasama-Cordillera Peoples’ Democratic Front noted a 28% growth in the number of its members who are mobilized in various forms and levels. Key to this was the continuous conduct of council meetings, as well as individual and group discussions.

Cagayan. In West Cagayan, the NPA furstrated the combat operations of the 501st IBde in 2021. Without being detected by the enemy, the NPA was able to conduct two batches of Advanced Party Course, while there were continuous discussions on the Basic Party Course in local Party units. A series of Basic Politco-military Course were also mounted, as well as harassment operations against military units.

Southern Tagalog. Revolutionary forces and Party members continue to overcome challenges brought about by military operations. The massses continue to support the people’s army despite relentless enemy attacks.

Celebrations were held in Batangas and Quezon, wherein many youth forces from the cities who participated decided to enlist as full-time Red fighters.

Negros. The towns covered by the area of operations of the NPA-Central Negros increased by five. The membership of mass organizations increased by 10%, and agrarian revolution and 28 armed actions were carried out.

The NPA-Northern Negros led the establishment of communal farms and fishponds, and the systematization of aid distribution. In response to the pandemic, the NPA conducted medical trainings, distributed herbal medicines, and educated the masses on the importance of vaccines against Covid-19. It also conducted in person classes, and helped students with their modules.

Panay. The NPA-Panay paid tribute to eight Red fighters who were slain by the brutal AFP bombing in Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao, Iloilo on December 1, 2021. The Party, NPA, and revolutionary masses were able to preserve their strength despite more than a year of intensified attacks in the region.

Eastern Visayas. In a statement, the CPP-Eastern Visayas paid tribute to 22 Red fighters who were martyred last August 2021. At least 16 AFP and PNP battalions are currently deployed in the region. Despite this, the Party was able to consolidate its mass base, strengthen mass organizations, and mobilize the masses to assert their democratic rights. Even in barrios with military camps, revolutionary forces were able to coordinate with the masses. The casualties sustained by the AFP in the region mounts is equivalent to a company.

North Central Mindanao. The CPP and NPA have been further steeled by the life and death struggle in the region in the past year. Lessons from these experiences will serve as foundation to further advance the people’s war. The region paid tribute to 20 Red fighters who were martyred in 2021. During the year, the NPA was able to mount 55 armed offensives, inflicting company-sized casualties against the enemy.

Local Party committees in Bicol, regional chapters of Makibaka, Kabataang Makabayan chapters in Southern Tagalog, Southern Mindanao, Cagayan and Negros, Liga ng Agham para sa Bayan and Compatriots-Asia Pacific also issued their statements.

In Canada, the Friends of the Filipino People in Struggle mounted a postering campaign in Ontario. The Communist Party of Australia (ML), Communist Workers Union (MLM) in Colombia, Communist Party of Turkey (ML), Communist Party of India (Maoist) and Freedom Road Socialist Organization in the US also expressed their solidarity to the celebrations.