The Communist Party of the Philippines: A Comprehensive Look at its History, Ideology, and Impact (1968-1999)

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is one of the oldest and most influential communist parties in Southeast Asia. Founded in 1968, the CPP has waged a protracted armed struggle against the Philippine government for more than five decades. The party's ideology is based on Marxism-Leninism-Maoism, and its goal is to overthrow the Philippine government and establish a socialist state.

On the Communist Party of the Philippines 1968 - 1999 (Sison Reader Series Book 5)

by Julia Gillard

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1158 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	926 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Item Weight	:	6.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	4.72 x 7.87 inches

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In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at the history, ideology, and impact of the CPP. We will examine the party's origins, its key leaders, its armed struggle, and its political strategy. We will also discuss the party's relationship with other communist parties in the region and its impact on Philippine society.

Origins and Founding

The roots of the CPP can be traced back to the early 20th century, when the first socialist and communist groups emerged in the Philippines. In the 1930s, the Communist Party of the Philippines (PKP) was founded, but it was quickly suppressed by the Philippine government.

In the 1960s, a new generation of Filipino communists emerged, influenced by the Cuban Revolution and the writings of Mao Zedong. In 1968, a group of young communist activists led by Jose Maria Sison founded the CPP.

Sison, who had studied in China, was a strong advocate of Maoism. He believed that the Philippine revolution could be won through a protracted armed struggle in the countryside.

Ideology

The CPP's ideology is based on Marxism-Leninism-Maoism. The party believes that the Philippine government is a capitalist dictatorship that exploits the working class. The party's goal is to overthrow the government and establish a socialist state.

The CPP's ideology is also influenced by Filipino nationalism. The party believes that the Philippines is a semi-colonial country that is dominated by the United States. The party's goal is to achieve national liberation and self-determination for the Filipino people.

Armed Struggle

The CPP has waged a protracted armed struggle against the Philippine government since its founding in 1968. The party's armed wing is the New People's Army (NPA).

The NPA is a guerrilla army that operates in the countryside. The NPA's tactics include ambushes, raids, and assassinations. The NPA has also been accused of human rights abuses, including torture and summary executions.

The Philippine government has responded to the CPP's armed struggle with a counter-insurgency campaign. The government's counter-insurgency campaign has included military operations, economic development programs, and political reforms.

Political Strategy

The CPP's political strategy has evolved over time. In the early years, the party focused on building a mass base among the peasantry. In the 1980s, the party shifted its focus to urban areas and began to participate in electoral politics.

The CPP's political strategy is based on the principle of "protracted people's war." The party believes that the revolution can be won through a long and protracted struggle that involves both armed and political struggle.

Relationship with Other Communist Parties

The CPP has close ties with other communist parties in the region. The party is a member of the International Communist League (ICL),which is a loose association of Marxist-Leninist-Maoist parties.

The CPP has also received support from communist parties in China, North Korea, and Vietnam.

Impact on Philippine Society

The CPP has had a significant impact on Philippine society. The party's armed struggle has led to the deaths of thousands of people. The party has also been accused of human rights abuses, including torture and summary executions.

The CPP's political strategy has also had a significant impact on Philippine politics. The party's participation in electoral politics has led to the formation of several left-wing political parties. The party has also played a role in the peace process in the Philippines.

The Communist Party of the Philippines is a complex and multifaceted organization. The party's history, ideology, and impact have all been shaped by the specific conditions of Philippine society.

The CPP remains a significant force in Philippine politics. The party's armed struggle and its political strategy continue to challenge the Philippine government. The party's long-term goal of establishing a socialist state remains a distant goal, but the CPP is likely to continue to play a significant role in Philippine society for many years to come.

On the Communist Party of the Philippines 1968 - 1999 (Sison Reader Series Book 5)

by Julia Gillard

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1158 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	926 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Item Weight	:	6.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	4.72 x 7.87 inches

FREE