Actions carried out across Britain to mark the 57th anniversary of the founding of the New People’s Army
We hereby share a report published by Red Flag News.
Editorial statement
Red Flag News extends revolutionary greetings and solidarity to the Communist Party of the Philippines and New People’s Army on the 57th anniversary of the NPA’s founding
Red Flag News, its supporters and the movement of Maoists, anti-imperialists and revolutionaries in Britain wholeheartedly sends their solidarity and support to the Phillipine Revolution and those comrades fighting for National Democracy against the repressive Marcos regime.
57 years of continual armed struggle and the progress made serves as a shining example to revolutionaries around the world. We commit ourselves to study from the example of the CPP-NPA-NDF and apply the lessons to advance our own struggles.
In a world ever increasingly under attack from imperialist oppression, the path of People’s War as the path to liberation for all peoples becomes clear. The many universal lessons from the successful and ongoing People’s Wars, including in the Philippines, must be taken to heart as we apply the lessons to our own particular conditions.
As the revolution in the Philippines advances we must also play our role in uniting progressives and revolutionaries in Britain in building the movement for solidarity with the Filipino struggle. We call for unity against imperialism and solidarity with all movements of oppressed and exploited peoples who struggle for freedom.
In solidarity,
Red Flag News editorial staff
Victory to the Phillipine Revolution!
Long live the NPA!
People’s War until victory!
The campaign on the 57thanniversary of the founding of the NPA
Following a successful campaign last year consisting of banner drops and events – largely organised by the Anti-Imperialist Front and London-Phillipines Solidarity – this year more revolutionaries from across the country joined the campaign.
More events were held this year. In London they were organised by AIF and LPS. In Nottingham workers and students, including Nottingham Camp for the Liberation of Palestine, came together for a banner drop event. In Hull, Sheffield and Glasgow autonomous groups carried out a variety of actions.
These actions represent an advance in the state of the solidarity campaign in Britain and lays the foundation for a growing and active movement to build awareness and solidarity with the struggle in the Philippines.
Actions taken around the country
Nottingham
8 Comrades, anti-imperialist students and workers have joined the NPA commemoration with a banner drop at Old Market Square in Nottingham. Revolutionary greetings were given to fallen martyrs in solidarity with organisations such as the New People’s Army. A few members of the public stopped and listened to comrades speaking about the struggle in the Philippines, seeming supportive of the cause.
Glasgow
On the 30th of March a number of posters were put up around the city in solidarity with the Philippine Revolution. They read “Reject imperialism. Victory to the New People’s Army.”
Hull
Posters were put around Hull on the evening of the 23rd. Some read “crush imperialism. Victory to the New People’s Army.” Others contained a quote from José Maria Sison: “The Central task in any revolutionary struggle is the seizure of political power. The New People’s Army plays the key role in smashing and destroying the military and bureaucratic machinery of the counter-revolutionary state and enabling the people’s democratic revolution to arise.”
A small documentary screening was also held on the 30th. It was an opportunity to express solidarity and for progressives and revolutionaries to come together to learn more about the NPA.
Sheffield
An event introducing people to the ideas of the Phillipine Revolution was held in Sheffield on the 21st of March. It was well attended and facilitated by London-Phillipines Solidarity.
A banner drop was also held. The banner was displayed over a bridge in Park Square and read “Victory to the Filipino people in militant anti-imperialist struggle.”
London
Several events were carried out in London throughout March.
On the 7th, Anti-Imperialist Front and London-Phillipines Solidarity held an event that consisted of a report back from activists who had travelled to the Philippines. An educational session was then held on the importance and founding of the New People’s Army.
On the 15th a banner making session and documentary screening were held.
On the 21st, AIF organised a banner drop outside the Phillipines embassy in London. The banner read “Long Live the New People’s Army, Victory to the Filipino Revolution.” Speeches expressing solidarity were also given.
On the 29th an event was held by AIF, LPS and Friends of the Filipino People in Struggle. It involved celebrating and learning about the NPA, as well as chanting and music.
