FR feds, people’s orgs denounce CPP’s 57 years of violence

MANILA—Former rebel federations and people’s organizations staged rallies and released statements across several regions on December 26, condemning what they described as 57 years of violence by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) as the group marked its founding anniversary.

In Eastern and Northern Samar, more than 400 residents from four barangays once identified as New People’s Army (NPA)-influenced areas held an indignation rally on the same day. Residents from barangays in Las Navas and Catubig in Northern Samar and Jipapad in Eastern Samar publicly withdrew their support for the underground movement. They cited alleged abuses such as extortion, harassment, deception of civilians, and the recruitment of minors and reaffirmed their support for government peace and development programs. They also urged remaining NPA members to surrender and undergo reintegration through legal and democratic processes.

In Cagayan, members of Kindling Action Peace Progress and Inclusive Advocacies, Inc (KAPPIA), an organization of former rebels and their families, staged a rally denouncing the CPP-NPA-NDF’s armed activities. The group said violence and intimidation continue to threaten lives and livelihoods in their communities. They expressed support for government peace initiatives and called for dialogue, respect for the rule of law, and the protection of human rights as paths to inclusive development.

Courtesy of KAPPIA, Inc.

In Western Visayas, four organizations—Panay Peace Builders Organization Inc., Federation for Reform, Initiatives, Empowerment, Nation-building, Development and Services (FRIENDS), Alliance for Peace, Environment and Sustainability (APES), and Western Visayas Religious Council—issued a joint statement condemning what they called decades of violence and killings by the CPP-NPA-NDF in Panay Island, Negros Island, and other parts of the country.

The groups said attacks against farmers, barangay officials, community leaders, and civilians have spread fear and insecurity in many areas. They stressed that these acts “are not resistance but crimes against humanity.” They also accused the underground movement of exploiting vulnerable communities through extortion, so-called “spy-tagging,” and summary executions, while using front organizations and propaganda to recruit youth and enter schools, workplaces, and civic spaces.

In Palawan, Mata ng Bayan Pilipinas Federation Inc. released a separate statement describing the CPP’s history as marked by bloodshed, especially among farmers, workers, youth, and indigenous peoples. The group said armed struggle has damaged communities and blocked real peace and development. It added that extortion, intimidation, and killings cannot be justified as revolutionary acts. The federation called on remaining CPP–NPA members to abandon violence and return to civilian life.

At the national level, Buklod Kapayapaan, an umbrella group of former rebel organizations, rejected the CPP’s criticism of localized peace talks and reintegration programs. The group said reintegration is not simple assistance but a difficult process of rebuilding lives and communities after years of conflict.

Buklod Kapayapaan also rejected claims that former rebels are rejected by the masses. It said communities often accept and support those who choose to return to civilian life. The group pointed to what it described as internal problems within the CPP, including shrinking ranks, weak internal democracy, neglect of members’ welfare, and unresolved abuse cases, which it said have caused growing discontent inside the movement.

Together, the organizations said rejecting armed struggle and supporting peace efforts is not betrayal, but a clear choice for a more humane, united, and peaceful future for communities affected by decades of insurgency.