The NPA Insurgency in the Philippines: An Analysis of Five Decades of Struggle

The Philippines, an archipelago known for its rich biodiversity and cultural tapestry, has been grappling with a less celebrated legacy for over five decades — the Maoist insurgency led by the New People’s Army (NPA).

Origin: Diverging Paths and the Birth of NPA

To understand the current face of the conflict, one must turn the pages back to 1969. It was in this year that Jose Maria Sison, dissatisfied with the approach of the Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas-1930 (PKP-1930), founded the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), introducing Mao Zedong Thought as its central guiding principle. The subsequent formation of the NPA marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Philippines’ tryst with communism.

This new group did not waste time. Launching attacks against government forces, influential landowners, and foreign corporations, the NPA firmly signaled its intent to challenge the status quo and strive towards the establishment of a socialist state in the Philippines.

Rising Tensions under Marcos

The 1970s witnessed a sharp escalation in the NPA’s influence, particularly during Ferdinand Marcos’ regime. Marcos’ declaration of martial law in 1972, which curtailed civil liberties and often suppressed voices of dissent, inadvertently created fertile ground for the NPA. The grievances against the Marcos dictatorship gave the NPA a larger pool of disgruntled citizens — peasants, students, workers, and intellectuals — to draw support from. Their cause was further aided by China, which provided tangible support to the NPA until 1976, when geopolitical calculations saw Beijing recognizing the Philippine government.

Post-1986: A New Political Landscape and NPA’s Evolution

The tides turned dramatically with the 1986 People Power Revolution. The ousting of Marcos and restoration of democracy altered the Philippines’ political landscape. Democracy, with its promises of inclusion, representation, and justice, eroded some of the moral high ground the NPA had held during the Marcos years. The ensuing period witnessed the NPA grappling with internal rifts over ideology and tactics. The Philippine government, sensing an opportunity, initiated peace talks with the CPP and its political offshoot, the National Democratic Front (NDF).

Yet, peace remained elusive. Trust deficits, allegations of human rights violations, and differences in core agendas consistently derailed attempts at a lasting solution.

The Continued Struggle in a Changed Landscape

Despite setbacks, the NPA, driven by its ideological fervor, persisted in its objectives. It carved out operational niches, especially in Mindanao, even forming alliances with some Moro rebel factions. Their urban warfare strategies, marked by assassinations, bombings, and sabotage, kept them relevant and in the headlines.

Yet, there is contention about the NPA’s actual strength. While the group claims a force of 25,000, Philippine military sources suggest the number is around 4,000. Irrespective of these figures, the NPA’s presence and actions continue to be a substantial concern for the Philippine government.

Duterte’s Dual Approach: Talks and Confrontation

The ascendancy of Rodrigo Duterte to the presidency added a layer of complexity to the issue. As a former student activist influenced by Sison, Duterte initially seemed like a beacon of hope for renewed peace negotiations. However, these hopes were short-lived. By labeling the CPP-NPA-NDF as terrorist entities and intensifying counterinsurgency campaigns, Duterte adopted a hardline stance, which drew criticism, especially regarding alleged human rights abuses.

The Cost of Conflict

The human and ecological costs of this protracted struggle are heart-wrenching. With over 40,000 lives lost and countless others impacted through displacement and poverty, the true costs might never be fully quantified. The environment, often the unsung casualty in such conflicts, has also borne the brunt of this clash, resulting in lasting scars on the Philippines’ beautiful landscape.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Peace?

The NPA insurgency stands as one of the world’s most prolonged and devastating conflicts. While peace remains a shared dream for many Filipinos, the path to achieving it seems mired in challenges. The deep-seated mistrust, ideological rifts, and political considerations all contribute to this impasse.