IAmA a rebel fighter for the New People's Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

JunaCentauri · 4 months

Don't think I've ever seen an IAMA where the poster gets net negative karma.

Soomin · 4 months

I have a friend who is part Filipino and looks white. When she visits her family in more rural areas, she says that her grandmother has to hide her when the NPA is in the area for fear of being abducted.

Does this happen / normal to see?

Awkward_Arab · 4 months

You guys are idiots for believing this guy is legit.

statusquoexile · 4 months

I lived in a town in Eastern Samar for a time back in 2000. You guys ambushed and murdered 8 soldiers from the Philippine National Army while I was there. Young soldiers, and some who had families. Are you proud of your group's actions?

Some more info from my first hand experience living there:

The NPA in this region lives and hides in the jungle to avoid the government. According to the locals who live there, the NPA are viewed as an idealistic group with no real agenda other than arbitrarily going against the Gov't. They steal from and kill National Army soldiers. Now the Gov't in the Philippines is corrupt, everyone knows that, but so is the NPA. The locals have no faith in their Gov't, and have an equal disdain for the NPA because they do not fight for the good of the people, they fight for thier own idealistic communist agenda.

Please people, understand that this group causes more trouble for the avergae citizen than good. This is not some honourable rebellion taking jabs at an oppressive and corrupt Gov't. This is a muderous, selfish, oblivious group of whackjobs pursuing a communist agenda against a corrupt government, only making the lives of the innocent civilian more difficult.

Upvoted for more attention.

sorry, more grammar edits Too much hasty typing I guess. This topic really hits home....I've lived amongst the average citizen fighting to survive day to day. The NPA is a corrupt group making life more difficult for the everyday hard-working citizen through illegal parasitic taxes enforced with threats of violence, death and persecution among other challenges.

ApolloAbove · 4 months

This is a surreal post, and I thank you for giving your time to speak. As an outsider, and an American, I can't really say I support you, or your cause, but I can ask you about why you feel that armed resistance against the government is a better option then peaceful protest and arguing for peaceful political change? It would be interesting to hear from the other side.

flyladyj · 4 months

Mabuhay! Kumusta ka? Maajo dinhi.

I lived in the Philippines for 2 years. The government is awful and corrupt from the SK level. However I feel like the NPA is just as corrupt. Imposing "taxes" on aid workers who are trying to bring clean water to the poor people you speak about...that's bullshit. You're taking money away from those people and that project. I can't support the NPA in it's current incarnation.

The mayor of my town was involved in the NPA in Davao in the 80s when he was a priest and he was imprisoned for several years for speaking out against Marcos. He said that the NPA of today is more of a stick-up group against foreigners more than anything. I'd have to say I agree with him.

Jeff_E_Popp · 4 months

You are a member of the Rebel Alliance and a traitor.

texting_and_scones · 4 months

If you hadn't joined the NPA what would you be doing? How do your parents, family, and friends outside the NPA feel about you being a rebel fighter?

Galinaceo · 4 months

People, whether we agree or disagree with the OP, I think it is a unique opportunitty to learn about some distant culture and way of life. I would beg for a moderator to confirm too.

casual_geek · 4 months

I'm a Filipino that had my childhood in the Philippines. I have been living here in Canada since I was 14. There's been times when we were stopped by the NPA when my dad would drive us from Manila to Bicol. Since my dad was a cop, they never much bothered us. I also remember military checks during our 12+ hour road trip just to make sure we're not harboring NPA rebels.

Oh the NPA. Your political agenda hasn't made any serious strides since the late 80's. I don't think you understand your purpose anymore. All this talk about spreading wealth to the Filipino people blah blah. All your talks about how foreigners that need to leave the Philippines. Granted the country's social system (healthcare, education, pensions, etc.) is very flawed and that needs to be fixed. But going about your way isn't going to make the Philippines a much better place to live.

If you somehow manage to overthrow the government and started implementing this... "spread the wealth to all Filipinos," can you explain how exactly you are going to do this? Is there an actual plan as to how you are gonna be able to equally distribute the country's wealth to 93+ million Filipinos?

And the country's wealth you are talking about... That's the money that the Philippines owed to the International Monetary Fund. So what you are saying is that you want to spread, not just the country's wealth, but also the country's debt to the people. Is that really what you're planning to do?

redme22 · 4 months

Does your military have don't ask don't tell?

ValerikScorn · 4 months

How do you feel about the United States Marine Corps having training missions in your country? As a Marine I just want to know.

Galinaceo · 4 months

Seems like reddit hates communism...

lpisme · 4 months

I've never heard of the NPA and I don't have an opinion either way - I was just curious, however: what would happen to you in the Philippines if you were captured?

Does the government there or elsewhere consider you domestic terrorists? Or is the NPA established in parts of the government? Judging by the fact you say you're an "armed wing" I would imagine that you'd face some serious consequences if caught.

phrozen1 · 4 months

Hi there. First off, thanks for doing this AMA. While most of the US based Redditors might not know a lot of the details behind your movement and how your group is portrayed here in the Philippines, it's interesting nonetheless.

Based on your previous responses, I am curious to know how you feel about people such as myself... an American expatriate, living about half the year here in Manila. I'm also married to a Filipina (we're both in our 20s, FYI).

When we have traveled up north (Ilocos) to visit some of the extended family, I have heard of horror stories including uninvolved citizens getting caught in between gun battles between your group and the military. Is this justified in your opinion?

You obviously don't want foreign interference in your country, so what would you do to me if you found me hanging out in the barrio smoking some Bowling Golds and drinking Beer Na Beer? Shoot me? Kidnap me? Extortion? Or would you take a more diplomatic approach and engage me in thoughtful conversation? Just curious.

PucktheFauxlice · 4 months

If we go to the philippines to visit, do we have to worry about getting kidnapped? just because we're tourists?

and if we do get kidnapped, are we given a chance to let you know whether or not we actually agree with you or are we just automatically the enemy and beyond redemption?

PannyMacquiao · 4 months

This is a throwaway account but I can say thanks for an AMA but I don't agree with the NPA's agendas at all.

I am a Filipino (Relatives up north in the Ilocos) and in the US Army. I participate in the yearly Balikatan exercises. I don't train the AFP how to fight but actually doing Civil Affairs/Humanitarian work and helping the people. I think we've done a lot more help for the Filipino communities there than what the NPA has done. We built schools, gotten kids school supplies, working restrooms, give livestock vitamins etc. and the people generally love us for it.

Don't get me wrong, I also think the Government is pretty corrupt there also but I don't see the NPA doing any better especially when most are doing more harm than good. But in the overall big picture, as person with Filipino ancestry, we do share a common goal of making the Philippines a better place.

Anyways, questions for you.

What have you personally done to help your people?
How do you feel about the Abu Sayif and other extreme Muslim groups there?
What kind of Beer do you like? (When I am there, Red Horse is my poison)
Do you guys also stop everything to watch the Manny Pacquiao fights?
Do you have Family in the states? If so, do they send you (or your Comrades) Balikbayan boxes filled with goodies? What kind of goodies?
Do you sing Karaoke? Even if it seems imperialist, what is your favorite American/Foreign song?
What is your Favorite Adobo style? (Mines will be forever Pork Adobo!)

Salamat!

Edit: Grammar and added another question.

Fists_of_Fury · 4 months

What compelled you to join the NPA?

DonaldMcRonald · 4 months

What is best in life?

s0n0fk0ng · 4 months

How is this organization different from soviet, cuban and moaist revolutionary organizations. Can you expect a better outcome?

jawndisease · 4 months

No you're not.

purpleyam · 4 months

Sadly, the NPA had ideologies back then but these days they're nothing but a bunch of savage criminals.

Also, you're fake

Dookiestain_LaFlair · 4 months

Are you using a computer that was built by capitalist pigs?

jaki_cold · 4 months

I know an 18 alpha headed to that area of the world next week. Good luck.

ShetlandJames · 4 months

What do you think of East Timor? What are the chances it can develop in the future?

wolfmanlenin · 4 months

I was wondering about your take on the recent split in the IPLS. If you don't want to comment on that however, I'll understand entirely.

Eluriel · 4 months

What kind of literature do you base your struggle on? Please be specific :)

Kirix · 4 months

What kind of military armaments do you have at your disposal?

Gandalf_the_green · 4 months

What exactly makes you think a communist regime in the Philippines would work any better than any other corrupt communist regime around the world?

iesalnieks · 4 months

What is your opinion on the anti communist peaceful revolutions that took place in Eastern Europe at the end of eighties and beginning of nineties.

jiminee · 4 months

Growing up, it was instilled in me that the NPA were the bad guys. I grew up in the Manila, so I was far from the war (either that, or I just chose to live in the Matrix and ignore everything that's not directly affecting me). Reading up on some of the comments here, it seems that your cause is good in the sense that you want to "save" the Filipino people.

I've always had this thought that all you guys have done is to (sorry for the lack of better word) terrorize the country. Kidnappings and killings wouldn't exactly portray you guys to be the hero now, would it? My question to you is, what are your group's objectives and what are the steps your group has done or are currently doing to achieve this? Why resort to war? Are you Robin Hood's merry men (steal from the rich, give to the poor)?

nburghmatt · 4 months

i feel like more people should see this. Obama isn't a communist, this dude is a communist.

chess86 · 4 months

I'm from the Philippines and this guy is trolling you people.

Talaial · 4 months

http://revolutionaryfrontlines.wordpress.com/2010/08/13/philippines-massive-military-offensives-reveal-aquinos-contempt-for-the-peace-process/ Look at the picture here and look at the picture OP put. This AMA must be fake.

BCBUDDHA · 4 months

Are you guys affiliated with the other phillipines group the M.I.L.F???

Do you feel the movie american pie and stiffler's mom have hurt their cause?

Vertov_Bakunin · 4 months

this is fake. delete this.

Meth_Useler · 4 months

Hey bro, I had an assignment in the past in which I "interacted" with you fuckers! Happy hunting to my brethren. You're a piece of shit. Don't AMA!

Vultatio · 4 months

Am I the only one who thinks this AMA is fake as hell?

flagamuffin · 4 months

Why do an AMA if you're so clearly biased? (I'm not faulting you for being biased -- you're human. I'm saying, your answers don't say much because they seem to have a PR lens filtering them, almost.)

soylent_absinthe · 4 months

Your group is responsible for the violent murders of government employees in your country. You espouse the virtues of Maoism, which has impoverished millions and brutally crushes dissidents. You extort aid workers and volunteers.

I pretty much hope you get shot, unless you're planning on growing up sometime soon.

series100262 · 4 months

Capitalism isn't perfect, but it's far better than communism. Question: Who do you dislike more, the Japanese or the Americans and why?

n1zm0 · 4 months

my parents are from East M'sia, my relatives have many resort business interests on the coasts of Sabah, they have had many run-ins with the Abu Sayyaf stealing boat engines and resources for their own use, as a person with communist views, what do you think about their organization?

Unicornmayo · 4 months

Do you have any particular food or music you like? What does your average day as a rebel fighter look like?

RevDiesel · 4 months

Are you part of the group traveling down killing foreigners in Sabah?

therealandrew · 4 months

Why do you have to be armed??

ozthebawhs · 4 months

Man, get the fuck out. I appreciate the effort of trying to overthrow a government which is obviously not working but communism? Get the fuck out, that shit is a proven disaster - perhaps much like Capitalism, the difference being in the details.

Also, get the fuck out

[deleted] · 4 months

needGod.com

Crotchfirefly · 4 months

You should really listen to this song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHhrZgojY1Q

Dr_Dolemite · 4 months

Thank you for the AMA. I do have some questions for you:

How were you recruited? Did you volunteer? Besides political philosophy, was there anything in particular that motivated you to join?
What contacts does your group have with international revolutionary movements? Do you have any role models for successful communist movements and governments?
What is your relationship to the Catholic church? Do you have any specific plans for it if you should take power?

bigkr88 · 4 months

Alright, a list of questions I've always wanted to ask someone in a rebel communist movement:

Is there a general concern over government spies or turncoats within the organization? How do you deal with possible spies? Do you have spies in the government and phillipino army who feed you information?

Is there a plan covering the implementation of a communist government when you win? Who gets to sit at the top? Will it be a direct translation from how your movement is organized now, i.e. your current leaders will become the new leaders of the communist government?

How is your military forces organized? Do you follow a freeform, warband style where one man leads a large group? Do you have a hierarchy that extends past your local leaders? Where do your orders come from, or do you and your comrades operate independently of the greater communist party?

How are your weapons and supplies obtained? Do you rely on arms smugglers, or do you loot ambushed army groups? Is everyone armed, or do only a lucky portion obtain weapons? Or is there a kind of trial period where a new member will be weaponless until another army group is ambushed and new weapons are looted?

How are your living arrangements? Do you camp in the jungles, or are there permanent structures you reside in? Do you have access to electricity and running water? Do you have regular access to food and clean water? Do you have access to medical services if you need them for sickness, injuries from accidents, etc.? Are there periods of time where you are among the civilian populace but not in uniform, like for vacation?

How did you decide to do this AMA? Is this part of a wider public relations campaign by the NPA? Are your superiors aware of this AMA? Who is crafting responses, you or your superiors?

How are you guys getting internet in the jungle? How did you acquire the relatively new-looking laptop?

LOLSTRALIA · 4 months

Kidnap foreign nationals like your Muslim friends and we'll turn your island into a missile test range.

just sayin.

The_R4ke · 4 months

Hey I think this could be a fake. He didn't really provide any other background besides that picture, and it was on the first page of Images when I Googled New Peoples Army.

morris858 · 4 months

What exactly are you fighting against? What specific action by the current government do you hate the most? What pushed you over the edge and caused you to join the NPA?

aktsukikeeper · 4 months

Is that considered verified? I mean, we don't even know the man in the photo is said OP or not. Anyway you write pretty well for a rebel fighter I would say.

bl4ckb4dg3r5 · 4 months

What historical communist movements do you look to? Do you have sympathies with the Maoists in India or Nepal? Or the anarchists struggling in Greece or in the West? What do you think about the Occupy movement?

Ideologically who are you close to? Lenin? Trotsky? Stalin? Or other communists? How much Marx do you study?

Thanks. I think this is pretty fucking cool to talk to you. Sorry to see you get downvoted by these capital loving imperialist sympathizers.

jordazo · 4 months

Many people tend to relate the NPA with Abu-Sayyaf, what do you have to say to that comparison?

And maruong ka ba ng Tagalog na lang? Sinong translator para sayo?

ProjectDirectory · 4 months

Why do you think Communism will work in the Philippines, since it hasn't worked anywhere else?

Oba-mao · 4 months

How is Communism going to fix your country?

rocketsfall · 4 months

Sooooo, based on how communism has worked for EVERY other country that has tried/still uses it, what in the hell makes you guys think that it'll work this time? what do you guys think you know that no one else did/does?

icon_donnied · 4 months

Fuck you guys.. I was in a McDonalds in just outside of Angeles City in the late 80's when you guys opened up on it with automatic weapons. I still have a scar and a small piece of bullet bouncing around in my body.

Raiancap · 4 months

Has the NPA solved the calculation problem yet?

naglfar909 · 4 months

What do you think about the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, or MILF in the Philippines?

Herborist · 4 months

So, you're part of the rebels, eh? Was Darth Vader as tall as they said he was?

[deleted] · 4 months

Should tourist be afraid to visit the philippines? Keep in mind these same tourist keep local businesses going and keep people employed . What do you think about them in your country? Are they safe?

xxdelta77xx · 4 months

You can google the NPA and get this picture immediately. If you open the associated article, you'll find his name is Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos. Showing us an easily accessible picture of this man does not prove he is him and furthermore if you compare other articles with quotes from him to his writing here and in the comments you can tell its not him.

Move for deletion of this IAMA

bazfoo222 · 4 months

RIP, El Tigre.

SgtMeowenstien · 4 months

Why are you such a dirty communist?

Chances · 4 months

How about we agree not to down-vote this guy, for pure reddiquette sake?

NewPeoplesArmy · 4 months

The Philippines is run by a corrupt goverment. Ang mga mayayaman ay yumayaman habang ang mga mahihirap ay naghihirap.(The rich is getting richer while the poor are getting poorer). Bring down the corrupt Philippine government.

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