Jose Maria Sison

Sison re-established the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) along Maoist lines, breaking from the old Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas. The CPP launched a protracted people's war against the Philippine state, becoming one of Asia's longest-running insurgencies.

Sison established the New People's Army (NPA) as the armed wing of the CPP. The NPA began guerrilla operations in rural areas, targeting government forces and infrastructure. The group has been designated a terrorist organization by the Philippines and the US.

Sison was arrested by the Marcos regime and imprisoned for seven years. During his detention, he continued to direct the CPP/NPA through written orders smuggled out of prison. He was released in 1986 after the People Power Revolution.

After the 1986 revolution, Sison went into self-exile in the Netherlands. From there, he continued to lead the CPP/NPA, issuing directives and negotiating peace talks with the Philippine government. He remains in exile as of 2024.