Hukbalahap

Hukbalahap (Huk) , Communist-led guerrilla movement in the Philippines. It developed during World War II as a guerrilla army to fight the Japanese; the name is a contraction of a Tagalog phrase meaning "People's Anti-Japanese Army." After the war the army openly declared its Communist orientation, and launched an armed revolt against the Philippine government. The Huk's emphasis on land reform attracted many peasants, especially in central Luzon. The movement was also strong on Panay. By 1950 some five provinces were under virtual Huk control and the Philippine government launched a vigorous military campaign against them. After the Huk leader Luis Taruc voluntarily surrendered in 1954, the movement died out. The need for land reform continued, however, and in the late 1960s the Hukbalahaps became active again. In Aug., 1969, President Marcos launched a military campaign against them, and Huk activities ceased in late 1970. Other Communist groups, however, have continued guerrilla activities.

Hukbalahap Filipino peasant resistance movement with roots in the pre-war barangay (village) and tenant organizations in central Luzon. Led by Luis Taruc, the movement developed during World War II into the Anti-Japanese People's Army, a left-wing guerrilla organization which was as much opposed to the Filipino landlord élite and their US backers as to the Japanese. Active against the latter from 1943, the ‘Huks’ controlled most of central Luzon by the end of the war, but were denied parliamentary representation and went into open rebellion against the Manila government until all but destroyed by government forces between 1950 and 1954.