Underground evolutionary organizations conducted a “lightning rally” in Manila on Monday, March 23, ahead of the 57th anniversary of the New People’s Army (NPA).
Groups under the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) congratulated the NPA on its upcoming 57th founding anniversary, saying it has reached the milestone because of “the justness of its cause.”
The participants marched from Espana Boulevard towards Morayta Avenue, urging onlookers to join the armed revolution by the NPA.
A lightning rally is an activity by NDFP member organizations in a crowded area and usually lasts a few minutes.
The rally paid tribute to NPA fighters who have died in the 57-year civil war in the Philippines.
This year’s lightning rally also condemned the war against Iran and other countries under attack by the United States, such as Venezuela and Cuba.
Founded in March 29, 1969, the NPA is waging what has been described as the longest Communist armed revolution in the world.
The Manila government has repeatedly vowed to eliminate NPA guerilla fronts throughout the country. Recent skirmishes between government forces and the NPA in some regions of the country, however, indicate the largely-peasant guerilla army is far from a spent force. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)