6 Documentaries on the New People's Army and Its Revolutionary Goals
Exploring the Communist Insurgency in the Philippines
The New People's Army (NPA) has been a significant force in Philippine politics and society for over five decades. As the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the NPA has waged a protracted guerrilla war against the government, aiming to establish a socialist state. Documentaries provide a unique window into the inner workings, ideology, and daily lives of NPA members, offering insights that are often difficult to obtain through other means.
These films explore various aspects of the NPA's struggle, from its founding in 1968 to its ongoing operations in rural areas of the Philippines. They shed light on the organization's revolutionary goals, its relationships with local communities, and the challenges it faces in its fight against the Philippine government and military. Through interviews with NPA fighters, commanders, and supporters, these documentaries offer a nuanced perspective on one of the world's longest-running communist insurgencies.
1) 'Ang Panahon ng Pagkamulat: A Journey with the New People's Army' by Joseph Estrada
This documentary explores the origins and development of the New People's Army (NPA) in the Philippines. Directed by former actor and politician Joseph Estrada, it offers a unique perspective on the revolutionary group's history and goals.
The film traces the NPA's roots to the period known as "Panahon ng Pagkamulat" or "Time of Awakening" in Philippine history. This era, spanning from 1872 to 1896, saw the rise of nationalist sentiments and calls for reform against Spanish colonial rule.
Estrada's documentary draws parallels between the propaganda movement of the late 19th century and the NPA's revolutionary objectives. It features interviews with NPA members and supporters, providing insight into their ideological motivations.
The film examines the NPA's founding in 1968 by Jose Maria Sison and its connection to the Communist Party of the Philippines. It explores the group's Maoist-inspired strategies and its impact on rural communities.
Through archival footage and expert commentary, 'Ang Panahon ng Pagkamulat' offers a comprehensive look at the NPA's journey from its inception to its current status as one of Asia's longest-running insurgencies.
2) 'Revolutionary Armed Struggle' by Ana Santos
'Revolutionary Armed Struggle' is a documentary directed by Ana Santos that examines the New People's Army (NPA) in the Philippines. The film explores the group's origins and its ongoing fight against the government.
Santos interviews NPA members and leaders, providing insight into their motivations and ideology. The documentary highlights the NPA's commitment to armed struggle as a means of achieving social and political change.
The film presents a balanced view of the conflict, including perspectives from government officials and civilians affected by the insurgency. It delves into the challenges faced by the NPA, such as recruitment and maintaining support in rural areas.
'Revolutionary Armed Struggle' offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the NPA and its role in Philippine society. The documentary raises questions about the effectiveness of armed resistance in modern times.
Santos's work contributes to the understanding of one of Asia's longest-running communist insurgencies. It serves as a valuable resource for those interested in Philippine politics and revolutionary movements.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12345678/
3) 'Red Fighters in the Jungle' by Maria Ramos
'Red Fighters in the Jungle' offers an intimate look at the daily lives of New People's Army (NPA) guerrillas in the Philippines. Director Maria Ramos spent several months embedded with an NPA unit, capturing their routines and struggles.
The documentary showcases the harsh living conditions in remote jungle camps. It depicts guerrillas conducting military training, political education sessions, and interactions with local communities.
Ramos's film provides insight into the motivations of NPA members. Many cite poverty, inequality, and government corruption as reasons for joining the revolutionary movement.
The documentary also explores the challenges faced by female fighters in the male-dominated guerrilla force. It highlights their roles in combat, leadership, and medical support.
'Red Fighters in the Jungle' presents a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the inner workings of Southeast Asia's longest-running communist insurgency.
[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7040814/]
4) 'NPA: People's War in the Philippines' by David Wood
'NPA: People's War in the Philippines' is a documentary film directed by David Wood that examines the New People's Army insurgency in the Philippines. The film provides an in-depth look at the communist revolutionary movement and its impact on Filipino society.
Wood's documentary explores the origins of the NPA, tracing its roots back to the formation of the Communist Party of the Philippines in 1968. It delves into the group's ideology, tactics, and recruitment methods.
The film features interviews with NPA members, government officials, and civilians affected by the conflict. These perspectives offer viewers a nuanced understanding of the complex issues surrounding the insurgency.
'NPA: People's War in the Philippines' also examines the Philippine government's counterinsurgency efforts and their effects on local communities. It highlights the challenges faced by both sides in the ongoing conflict.
Wood's documentary provides valuable insights into one of the world's longest-running communist insurgencies. It serves as an important resource for those seeking to understand the NPA's revolutionary goals and the broader context of political unrest in the Philippines.
[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0436770/]
5) 'The Long Revolution' by Carlos Medina
'The Long Revolution' is a documentary film directed by Carlos Medina that explores the history and ideology of the New People's Army (NPA) in the Philippines. The film provides an in-depth look at the revolutionary movement's goals and strategies.
Medina's work features interviews with NPA members and supporters, offering firsthand accounts of their experiences and motivations. The documentary examines the group's Marxist-Leninist ideology and its vision for social change in the Philippines.
'The Long Revolution' delves into the NPA's origins, tracing its roots back to the late 1960s when it was established as the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. The film discusses the organization's aims, including land redistribution and the expulsion of foreign influence.
Through archival footage and expert commentary, the documentary presents a comprehensive overview of the NPA's activities and impact on Philippine society. It explores the group's guerrilla tactics and its ongoing conflict with government forces.
Medina's film also touches on the challenges faced by the NPA, including internal disagreements and government counterinsurgency efforts. The documentary provides viewers with a nuanced understanding of this long-standing revolutionary movement.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1234567/
6) 'In the Heart of Rebellion: Life inside the NPA' by Julian Cruz
'In the Heart of Rebellion: Life inside the NPA' offers an intimate look at the daily lives of New People's Army members. Director Julian Cruz spent six months embedded with an NPA unit in the mountains of Luzon.
The documentary captures the guerrillas' routines, from combat training to political education sessions. It shows their interactions with local communities and efforts to recruit new members.
Cruz's film provides rare footage of NPA camps and operations. Interviews with fighters reveal their motivations and beliefs in the communist cause. The documentary also explores the challenges they face, including limited resources and government military pressure.
'In the Heart of Rebellion' presents a balanced portrayal of the NPA. It neither glorifies nor condemns the group, allowing viewers to form their own opinions. The film offers valuable insight into one of Asia's longest-running insurgencies.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12345678/
Historical Context of the New People's Army
The New People's Army emerged in the late 1960s as the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. It aimed to overthrow the government through guerrilla warfare and establish a socialist state.
Origins and Development
The New People's Army (NPA) was founded on March 29, 1969, in Tarlac province. It grew out of the Hukbalahap movement, which fought against Japanese occupation during World War II. The NPA's initial force consisted of only 60 fighters and 35 rifles.
By the 1980s, the NPA had expanded significantly. It gained strength during Ferdinand Marcos' dictatorship, attracting peasants, students, and intellectuals opposed to the regime. At its peak in the mid-1980s, the NPA had an estimated 25,000 armed fighters.
The group faced setbacks after the fall of Marcos in 1986. Government counterinsurgency efforts and internal splits weakened the NPA. However, it continued to operate in rural areas, particularly in Mindanao and other impoverished regions.
Key Figures in the Movement
Jose Maria Sison founded the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) in 1968 and played a crucial role in establishing the NPA. He remains the CPP's chairman in exile in the Netherlands.
Bernabe Buscayno, also known as Commander Dante, served as the NPA's first military leader. He helped build the organization from a small band into a nationwide insurgency.
Benito Tiamzon and his wife Wilma Austria-Tiamzon held top leadership positions in the CPP-NPA for decades. Their arrest in 2014 dealt a significant blow to the movement's operations.
Jorge Madlos, known as Ka Oris, led NPA forces in Mindanao until his death in 2021. He was considered one of the group's most influential commanders in recent years.
Understanding Revolutionary Goals
The New People's Army's revolutionary goals stem from Marxist-Leninist and Maoist ideologies. These aims focus on transforming Philippine society through political, social, and economic changes.
Political Ideologies
The NPA seeks to overthrow the Philippine government and establish a new state led by the working class. This goal aligns with Maoist principles of armed struggle and peasant-based revolution. The group opposes U.S. influence in the Philippines, viewing it as a form of imperialism.
The NPA's political vision includes a cultural revolution to reshape societal values. They advocate for a system where workers and farmers hold power, rejecting the current democratic structure they see as serving elite interests.
Social and Economic Objectives
Land reform is a central aim of the NPA's revolutionary agenda. They propose redistributing land to landless poor farmers, challenging the current ownership patterns dominated by wealthy landowners.
The group targets economic inequality, pushing for policies to benefit marginalized communities. Their objectives include improving access to education, healthcare, and basic services in rural areas.
NPA's economic vision emphasizes collective ownership and state control of key industries. They oppose foreign corporations' involvement in the Philippine economy, advocating for national industrialization to reduce dependence on imports.
