CPP calls on NPA to conduct tactical offensives

File photo showing members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA). —Inquirer/Erwin Mascariñas

MANILA, Philippines — The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Thursday called on its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), to “conscientiously build or rebuild the underground movement” as it marked its 56th founding anniversary.

In a statement, Marco Valbuena, CPP chief information officer, said the party has ordered the NPA to “take initiative to mount tactical offensives, selecting targets that it can defeat.”

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“We are determined to frustrate the enemy’s all-out war, recover from our losses, gain new victories, and advance the Filipino people’s revolutionary resistance,” he added.

Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, Armed Forces spokesperson, earlier said the NPA was down to one “weakened” guerrilla front. —Nestor Corrales