Abstract

The presentation examines the effect of terrorist defeats on the New People’s Army’s recruitment and radicalisation in Mindanao, aiming to offer strategies which deter against radicalisation and enhance stability and cohesion within the society. The research is based on the experiences of nine former high-ranking terrorists, using thematic analysis to understand the psychology of defeat. The study identifies four key phenomena related to terrorist defeat: self-defeat, organisational defeat, ideological defeat, and ‘victory in defeat’, highlighting the importance of early life experiences and the influence of family, community, education, and religion in joining the communist terrorist group. It presents a comprehensive model of the psychology of defeat and suggests policy interventions for countering violent ideologies and bolstering national resilience against psychological operations by communist terrorist groups. The findings aim to support policymakers in strengthening the Philippines’ defence against radicalisation.

About the Speaker

Jo-ar Herrera served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations of the 1st (Takbak) Infantry Division, Philippine Army and held the position of Commander of the 53rd Infantry Battalion. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in operations against the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Zamboanga Peninsula where his leadership was instrumental in the mass surrender of NPA members. Furthermore, Col. Herrera was the official spokesperson for the AFP during the critical 2017 Marawi Siege, a defining moment in the Philippines’ contemporary history. His academic achievements include being awarded with the “Best Thesis Award” upon completing the Masters in National Security Administration Program at the National Defence College of the Philippines (NDCP).