This footage, recorded and posted to social media by a civilian, shows a T-129 ATAK gunship firing on a position held by The New People’s Army- the Communist Party’s armed wing. This occurred on 22 February, 2024 in Escalante City, Negros Occidental, in the Philippines.

The Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB), rendered in English as “New People’s Army (NPA)” is a militant Communist organization which has been in operation since 1969, having continued to wage Maoist “protracted peoples’ war” guerilla operations against the Philippine government. The NPA claims a presence in 73 of 81 provinces, though as of 2023, only one guerilla front was active.

They are being instructed on the joys of Capitalism and Democracy in this video by a T-129 ATAK gunship. The Philippine Air Force purchased these from Turkey in 2018, after the Siege of Marawi, during which the Philippine attack helicopters exhibited lackluster performance. The T-129 was selected due to its lower price than that of American competitors, in a case of “when you want a new Apache, but Dad says we have one at home.” The total delivery of T-129s was completed in late 2023, which makes this likely one of the first usages of the T-129 in Philippine service.

The ATAK is seen here at close range to the NPA defenders, because the guerillas do not possess any anti-air capability to speak of. It’s seen firing with its M197 Rotary cannon and what appear to be unguided rocket pods.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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