Description
The military wing of the Communist Party of the
Philippines (CPP), the NPA is a Maoist group formed in December 1969
with the aim of overthrowing the government through protracted guerrilla
warfare. Although primarily a rural-based guerrilla group, the NPA has
an active urban infrastructure to conduct terrorism and uses city-based
assassination squads called sparrow units. Derives most of its funding
from contributions of supporters and so-called revolutionary taxes
extorted from local businesses.
Activities
The NPA primarily targets Philippine security
forces, corrupt politicians, and drug traffickers. Opposes any U.S.
military presence in the Philippines and attacked U.S. military
interests before the U.S. base closures in 1992. Press reports in 1999
indicated that the NPA would target U.S. troops participating in joint
military exercises under the Visiting Forces Agreement and US Embassy
personnel.
Strength
Estimated between 6,000 and 8,000.
Location/Area of Operations
Operates in rural Luzon,
Visayas, and parts of Mindanao. Has cells in Manila and other
metropolitan centers.
External Aid
Unknown.