'Long-dead' Maoist spokesman resurfaces

Manila: In an embarrasing situation for the Philippines goverment, the spokesman of the 42-year-old Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), considered dead for two years, released a New Year's message in which he called for the continuation of armed struggle and the establishment of a Maoist-type of government.

Intelligence reports said that Gregorio ‘Ka Roger' Rosal died two years ago.

The CPP and its military arm, the New People's Army, is the longest-running leftist movement in Southeast Asia. It has gained control over several towns and villages.