What many have thought to be unimaginable has happened. After more than three decades, another Marcos has been installed in power. Accompanying him on the throne is the tyrant’s daughter, Sara Duterte. Together they continue escalating the systemic state repression, historical distortion and the gross exploitation of the masses. But the nation’s fight is far from over. The anger and discontentment that the older and current generation collectively feel must be harnessed into an ever-growing and committed mass movement eager to take on the task of defeating this abomination of a regime.

A hundred days in office and Marcos has nothing to show for it but international junkets with his beloved wife, son and faithful cronies – all paid for by the Filipino nation, a national budget teeming with glaring misprioritization amidst worsening socioeconomic conditions and a galling campaign of historical distortion, the most pervasive and systematic the country has ever seen so far.

In the wake of all these attacks on Filipinos’ welfare and future, the people must be more fervent in their efforts to mount a momentous movement to battle the Marcos II regime. Patriotic and nationalist professionals and national bourgeoisie must not be remiss in joining the working class’ struggle for national democracy and interests of the majority. This is a fight that must be fought by the 99% – all whose lives and rights are on the line. This is the time to choose sides. Either one is for the pursuit of liberty or the perpetuation of the nation’s suffering.

NDF-Bikol calls on all Bikolanos to join the cause of national democracy. Exhaust all means to oppose and eventually defeat Marcos II-Duterte’s reign. They must launch various forms of mass protests and demonstrations to air out their demands and let it resonate throughout the country. All the while, they may also take advantage of the internet and social media as another arena of battle between the oppressors and the people.

The revolutionary movement in Bikol continues to stand with the Filipino nation in this fight. The true army of the people, the New People’s Army, doubles its efforts in launching tactical offensives against forces of reaction. Members of revolutionary mass organizations dedicate themselves to organizing the multitudes of exploited and oppressed both in the countryside and urban centers. The Party continues in its task as vanguard of the Filipino revolution and leads its members towards persevering in their revolutionary work.

When the nation’s unity and prowess are fully realized, how else can the enemies of the people win? The Marcoses and Dutertes are but paper tigers bound to fail in the face of the nation’s uprising. Everyone must hold on to the hope and optimism for a better tomorrow that comes from the indubitable victory of the protracted people’s war.