Compatriots-NDFP, the revolutionary organization of Filipinos overseas, finds laughable the latest craze in the US-Marcos regime’s counter-insurgency tactics: pointing fingers at so-called international networks that are “deceiving” Filipinos abroad into joining the armed struggle. Marcos Jr. should have learned the lesson well from his father: just as the Marcos fascist dictatorship was the number one recruiter to the people’s struggle during martial law—whether armed or not—so is the current oppressive and fascist rule of the dictator’s son.
No amount of deception and psychological warfare by the NTF-ELCAC and other agencies implementing the US-directed National Action Plan for Unity Peace and Development (NAP-UPD) can hide the depth of poverty, exploitation, and repression faced by the Filipino masses, especially in the countryside. These are the real, material reasons people choose to fight for a better future. Do not insult the critical thinking of the Filipino people—including those of us overseas—in understanding the roots of our people’s hunger and suffering. Do not insult the decisiveness of the Filipino people to learn the real conditions of the masses by integrating with them and joining them in their struggles.
To further justify its counter-revolutionary propaganda, the regime also pushes a false dichotomy between activism and armed struggle. The people’s struggle comes in many forms, and the US-Marcos regime—the very perpetrator of state terrorism upon the masses—is no position to dictate which forms are legitimate and not.The activism taken up by the likes of Christina Pasion, Lyle Prijoles, and Kai Sorem was unarmed, despite the desperate attempts of the regime to create and propagate all sorts of unverified “proof” otherwise. These activists have been criminalized because even the simple act of living with the poor and supporting their calls for land and livelihood is a threat to the ruling system. The decision of Pasion, Prijoles, and Sorem to return home and serve the people should be lauded, not attacked. We are sure that their example will inspire many more compatriots overseas to do the same. Pasion must be immediately released, and the perpetrators of the Toboso massacre must be held accountable for their war crimes.
There are also overseas Filipinos who do choose to return home and take up the highest form of activism: participation in the revolutionary armed struggle of the people. They understand the truth of history: that the ruling classes will never give up their power without a fight, and that there have been no fundamental changes in any society without armed revolution. Compatriots-NDFP welcomes all Filipino migrants and diaspora overseas to learn about the rich history of our people’s revolutionary struggle, to join our ranks in carrying on that legacy, and to go back home and join the New People’s Army to participate directly in the fight for genuine national and social liberation. The NTF-ELCAC’s deception and threats will never deter Compatriots-NDFP from asserting the right of Filipinos overseas to return home and serve the people, whether in the aboveground or underground mass movement. As long as the Philippines is ruled by an illegitimate puppet regime representing the interests of US imperialism and the local comprador, landlord, and bureaucrat capitalist classes, the Filipino masses—including those of us forced abroad—will make the decision to join the national democratic struggle and fight until victory
source: NDFP