Across parts of Mindanao and other rural areas once marked by conflict, former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front (CPP–NPA–NDF) are rebuilding their lives through farming. Their stories reflect a broader shift from armed struggle to productive livelihood and community reintegration. For decades, many peasants and Indigenous peoples were drawn into the communist movement, often out of frustration over poverty, landles

ORIENTAL MINDORO — “May pag-asa naman pala…” Ito ang mariing sambit ni Ate Rose, isa sa mga nahalal na opisyales ng Mindoro Island Former Re

In September 2023, Job David, better known by his alias “Ka Yuri,” stood at a crossroads that would forever change his life. Once a cadre of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army, he had endured years of hardship in the mountains, surviving only on root crops and wild herbs, far from even the most basic comforts. During a “hakot-bundo”* mission, he and two comrades made the difficult decision to surrender to the 23rd Division Reconnaissance Company in Mindo

Hindi lang kasawian at pagkagapi ang aking naranasan sa NPA, kundi ang pag-abandona ng Partido sa mga mandirigma nito, gayon din ang masaklap na unti-unting hindi na pagtanggap ng masa sa kilusan.

For the Maoists in the Philippines, myth-making has always been central to sustaining their half-century insurgency.

The change is being led by two men who once fought the government: one used to carry placards in rallies from Davao to Manila; the other, an M16.

We are reprinting the Letter to the Editor by former rebels Job David and Alia Encela to The Visayan Daily Star, August 2.

Kalaunan, napagtanto ni Ka Star na ang mga pangako ng kilusan ay pawang bingwit lamang upang makapagparami ng hukbo.

Paano nakakatulong — at saan pa puwedeng humusay — ang livelihood support para sa mga dating rebelde

During the celebration of the third anniversary of Davao del Norte being declared insurgency-free, held at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex on July 26, Governor Edwin I. Jubahib emphasized the importance of continuing to deliver services such as housing, roads, schools, and health facilities in order to sustain peace and prevent the resurgence of insurgency.

Sa pagdiriwang ng ikatlong anibersaryo ng pagiging insurgency-free ng Davao del Norte na ginanap sa Davao del Norte Sports Complex nitong ika-26 ng Hulyo, binigyang-diin ni Governor Edwin I. Jubahib ang kahalagahan ng patuloy na paghahatid ng serbisyo tulad ng pabahay, kalsada, eskwelahan at mga pangkalusugang pasilidad upang mapanatili ang kapayapaan at hindi na manumbalik pa ang insurhensya.

DAVAO DEL NORTE—Mula sa mahigit isang dekadang pakikibaka sa kabundukan tungo sa silid-aralan — ito ang makabuluhang landas na tinahak ni Bernabe Cañon, dating deputy secretary ng Regional Ordnance Group (ROG) sa ilalim ng Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) ng CPP-NPA-NDF.

But herein lies the truth: former rebels are being called traitors not because we abandoned the people’s cause, but because we stopped obeying the CPP. What we “handed over” was not allegiance to the masses, but the power the Party once had over our lives. And for that, they mark us with the word "traitor" like a scarlet letter, in a desperate attempt to erase our agency, delegitimize our choices, and scare others from following the same path.

OCCIDENTAL MINDORO-- “Bago pa man inilunsad ang programa, buo na ang aking loob at nagbago na ang aking pananaw.”  Ito ang wika ni Ka...

“I believed the people's war would succeed,” he said. “For nearly two decades, I trained myself and others, enduring hardship and sacrifice for the cause.” But the deeper Felix got into the movement, the more disillusioned he became. From 1996 to 2004, he witnessed firsthand the stark inequality within the leadership of the CPP-NPA. While preaching about justice, some high-ranking cadres lived in luxury, refused accountability, and mirrored the very oppressive systems they

Former rebels from Region 4B formally launched the Kapatiran ng mga Dating Rebelde (KADRE) - MIMAROPA on July 12 at the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Capitol. In a historic and heartfelt gathering on July 12, 2025, the Brotherhood of Former Rebels – MIMAROPA (KADRE-MIMAROPA) was officially launched at the Tamaraw Hall of the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Capitol. Anchored on the theme “Reconciliations and New Beginnings,” the event marked a new chapter of unity, peace, and renewe

This is the Achilles’ heel of the CPP’s analysis: it summarily rejects all forms of peace except its own version of violent upheaval.

BUTUAN CITY—Zulah, a former rebel from Surigao del Sur in Region 13, considers the safe conduct pass (SCP) she now holds in her hands as...