Amid worsening corruption, crisis, and fascism, the call to advance the people’s war to end the ruling rotten system intensifies. As such, the New People’s Army’s (NPA) keeps its doors wide open to all who want to join in carving a new chapter in the country’s history.

Celebrating the NPA’s 57th anniversary, Ang Bayan interviewed unit commanders and cadres in Luzon to discuss the growing number of people, especially the youth, who go to the countryside to integrate with Red fighters and the masses in guerrilla zones.

By taking part in collectively shouldering the day-to-day tasks of the people’s army, those who immerse themselves deepen their grasp of the armed struggle’s correctness, and further strengthen their resolve to join the NPA.

Units prepare

Units strive their utmost to accept all who wish to immerse themselves. In preparation, the unit thoroughly examines the military situation and adjusts activities to prioritize the goals of the comrades who join their unit. Command meetings discuss the process of visitors’ entry and their prospective program based on submitted recommendations and proposals. They also determine the visitors’ gender and class background. Necessary supplies are prepared such as hammocks, tents, personal items, food, and others.

In all preparations, the local masses and Party branches are key supporters of the commanders and fighters.

The program designed for visitors depends on the duraton their stay, their expectations, learning goals, and strengths and weaknesses. The program includes politico-military exercises, martial arts and self-defense training, basic medical training, and studies on the Party and the army. The unit explains the possible limits on their desired goals given the military situation.

The priority is for those immersing to engage in mass work, production work, cultural work, workshops, educational discussions, forming groups, and other army tasks including logistics, medical work, and others.

Preparation

The newcomers are urged to be prepared for what they may experience in guerrilla life. Even before entering the zone, they must study the basic documents and regulations of the NPA. Above all, they must ensure firm conviction and readiness in body and mind.

“You may have ‘grand experiences,’ or ‘mundane moments,” said Ka Armand, one of the leaders of the units interviewed. He urged those immersing that “while here, be active in the daily life of the army, make the most of every hour and minute.”

He advised anyone visiting not to hesitate to ask questions for things they want to learn, to engage in discussions with comrades, and to join all tasks—whether technical or political. For tasks they may find difficult, they should immediately inform the squad leader or their assigned host.

“Do not treat yourself as a mere guest, because you are an integral part of the army at your every moment here,” Ka Arman advised.

“Be prepared for possible combat, long marches, and others, since we are waging armed struggle,” he said. He reminded them to be mindful of personal belongings and ensure nothing important is left behind.

“Overcoming unfamiliar routines like using the toilet, sleeping, walking, and others, will make everything else easier,” he added.

Aside from essentials, those immersing must prepare their personal needs, such as medicines for uncommon illnesses and others.

“It’s also nice, of course, if you bring small tokens for the comrades,” he joked.

Most importantly, prepare yourself to answer the call of the people’s democratic revolution and decide to work fulltime for the NPA.