What is the NDF?
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF) is the principal alliance of progressive and revolutionary organizations fighting currently for national freedom and genuine democracy; it is led by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). The NDF was founded in 1973 after Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law and outlawed many progressive mass organizations.
The NDF believes that true national liberation requires a two-stage revolution-the national democratic revolution currently being waged and the subsequent socialist revolution that will immediately be undertaken upon the nationwide victory of the current stage. As part of the national democratic revolution, the NDF develops links with other positive forces, including progressive elements from the Filipino bourgeoisie, in order to build the broadest possible unity against U.S. imperialism and local reactionaries.
Because the U.S. imperialists are armed to the teeth and will not give up their privileges and stolen property without a fight, the NDF is waging an armed struggle for national liberation with the New People's Army (NPA). Led by the CPP, the NPA is fighting a protracted people's war, which fundamentally depends on the political unity and organization of the masses.
NDF Allied organizations
- Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP-MLMZT), re-established along explicitly Maoist lines in 1968, provides the leadership in the Philippine revolution.
- New People's Army (NPA), special mass organization of the CPP and principal armed force of the NDF.
- Revolutionary Council of Trade Unions (RCTU), an alliance of revolutionary trade unions.
- Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid (PKM), National Association of Peasants, including farm workers.
- Kabataang Makabayan (KM), Patriotic Youth, and association of the youth and students.
- Makabayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan (MAKIBAKA), Patriotic Movement of New Women, underground organization of women.
- Cordillera People's Democratic Front (CPDF), an alliance of various indigenous peoples in the Cordillera region of Northern Luzon.
- Christians for National Liberation (CNL), an underground organization of church and lay people.
- Katipunang ng mga Gurong Makabayan (KAGUMA), Association of Patriotic Teachers, including educational workers.
- Katipunan ng mga Samahang Manggagawa (KASAMA), Federation of Labor Organizations, also includes the semi-proletariat and the urban poor.
- Artista at Manunulat ng Sambayanan (ARMAS), Artists and Writers for the People, a league of cultural activists, including those in film, TV, radio.
- Makabayang Kawaning Pilipino (MKP), underground organization of government employees.
- Makabayang Samahang Pangkalusugan (MSP), Patriotic Health Association, for doctors, nurses, medical students, community health workers, etc.
- Liga ng Agham para sa Bayan (LAB), League of Scientists for the people.
- Moro Revolutionary Organization (MRO), underground organization of the Moro people in Mindanao, southern Philippines.
- Revolutionary Organization of Lumads, revolutionary organization of indigenous peoples in southern Philippines.