Even amid the intense operations of the AFP, the New People’s Army (NHB)-Rizal (Narciso Antazo Aramil Command) successfully held the celebration of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ 56th anniversary. Party members and revolutionary forces from the peasant, women, youth-students, workers and the urban poor sector attended the event.

A formal study of the Central Committee statement for the Party’s 56th anniversary was a major and integral part of the celebration. More than 50 people from rural and urban areas participated in the discussion. In the spirit of the rectification movement, the participants critically and humbly identified the still prevailing weaknesses that both those in the mass movement and armed struggle have yet to overcome.

The NPA-Rizal’s Red Flag and the attending revolutionary forces held cultural performances. The celebration also features the creation of visual arts by fighters and urban revolutionary forces regarding the theme of the Party’s statement and the promotion of the Rectification Movement.

Many of the attendees entered the New People’s Army unit for the first time.

Ka Ino stated, “Seeing the military, or anyone armed, really frightens me. But now, being with the people’s army, I have absolutely no fear, and I am confident of our safety.”

The visitors said the activity refutes the reactionary state’s declaration that the revolutionary movement was waning. At the end of the program, many expressed the desire to stay to live in the NPA.

At the end of the festival, the unit launched a kapehan (discussion over coffee) on the theme “The role of the youth in the rectification movement.” Interspersed with statements and songs from the Red fighters and revolutionary forces, they shared stories of the significance of the rectification movement and its impact on their lives.

“What struck me was the term ‘ubos-kaya’ (total effort), or contributing every effort we can give,” Ka Luwal said. “I found it really necessary to be self-critical, and that self-remoulding is inseparable from the rectification movement,” he added.

Many expressed the need to forge their perspective to tread the path of armed struggle in the future. In commemorating and offering a song for fellow martyrs from Southern Tagalog and other parts of the country, the comrades announced the commitment to hold on to the weapons left behind by the people’s great martyrs.