Militant struggle is a foundational pillar of the revolutionary movement. While the ruling class condemns the so-called unnecessary violent methods that resist the current systems of oppression, they in turn utilize inhuman brutality against the people and militarize our homelands. It is clear that they will not give up their position of power lightly, using any means necessary to subdue the masses for the sake of personal profit and plunder. As such, the people must organize and defend our communities through force of our own.
To take up arms is to dedicate one’s life to defending the masses against the actions of the ruling class. It is not done out of a desire for violence but rather out of necessity to ensure the safety and prosperity of all peoples. Much like the thorns of the calamansi tree, militant struggle is a form of defense that must be upheld to protect the provisional fruit.
Prior to calamansi, there was “kalamunding,” a nearly thornless citrus species. However, through the introduction of other thorn-bearing species, calamansi became a hybrid tree with a means of defending its new fruit from outside enemies. While these thorns were not original assets of calamansi, they were adapted as conditions worsened. Similarly, the Filipino people, and all oppressed peoples, must adapt to the increasing attacks and violence against our communities. Only through militant struggle can we preserve the new fruit of the world revolution.
2025, acrylic and oil pastel on wood panel, 20″x20″
Asher Perez 