MANILA, Philippines — The 50th founding anniversary of the communist political arm National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) on Monday prompted a war of words between both sides of the conflict.
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), to which the NDFP serves as the political arm, said the group needs to further “unite, galvanize and mobilize” the broadest sectors of society to further consolidate the united front organization against the threat of what they call “imperialist forces.”
“There is an urgent need to strengthen and further invigorate the NDFP as the Filipino people face a worsening crisis of the ruling system and growing threats of getting caught in the vortex of imperialist wars, with the Marcos regime and the AFP being used by the US in its war provocations while remaining spineless against Chinese aggression,” the CPP said in a statement.
“In the coming period, the NDFP must carry out widespread efforts to promote the people’s patriotic spirit, and unite, galvanize, and mobilize the broadest section of the people to defend the country against rising imperialist rivalries and threats of wars,” it added.
However, the Armed Forces of the Philippines dismisses the united front organization with a raised eyebrow, confident in its ability to handle potential threats.
“NDF is an utter failure. Its duplicity, through the activities of its member organizations, has been exposed and rendered ineffective,” AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar told INQUIRER.net in a text message.
“The members of the mass organizations it established are enlightened and are saved from radicalization and recruitment,” Aguilar added.
The NDFP, through the CPP, was formed on April 24, 1973.
The united front organization of the communist movement in the country has begun conducting peace negotiations with the Philippine government since 1987.
RELATED STORY