Maya and Carlo Butalid’s Unmasking the Myths of the CPP and its Leader Joma Sison — Beyond the Red Flag
by ReadersMagnet | November 12, 2026 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments
While history often recognizes important leaders, the stories of those who worked alongside them also deserve attention. In Unmasking the Myths of the CPP and its Leader Joma Sison, Maya Butalid and Carlo Butalid recount their time as active members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and critique what they witnessed. Their political non-fiction work is neither a conventional historical account nor a story filled with shocking revelations.
Behind the Red Flag: A Visual Story of Power, Conflict, and Conviction
The cover makes its subject unmistakable. A red flag with a yellow hammer-and-sickle symbol fills much of the background. In front, a large grayscale male figure gestures toward a distressed-looking woman, who holds what appears to be a bespectacled man’s head or mask. The scene suggests a confrontation over identity and power, but each figure’s meaning is left to the viewer’s imagination.
The artwork features expressive faces, bold lines, and a composition reminiscent of a political cartoon. The red surface stands out, while the grayish characters and shades of purple distinguish the individuals. The large white lettering draws the reader’s eye, but, because the image is so complex, some parts feel crowded. This is appropriate, as the cover does not offer an unbiased point of view; instead, it highlights the book’s critical stance.
This also reflects the book’s content: just as on the cover, revolutionary rhetoric is set against the authors’ recollections of organizational life.
When Conviction Meets Reflection
The central issue discussed by the authors is profoundly human: how does one reevaluate an idea that has shaped so much of their life? The authors do not portray themselves as people who wasted their time. They recall all the times they opposed dictatorship and stood by less fortunate individuals, forming relationships along the way. At the same time, however, they describe their disappointment in the inner world of the CPP and its leaders.
A Journey Shaped by Experience
The initial chapter, titled “Why Us?”, sets the stage for the authors’ background in relation to the subject matter. Both were part of the underground movement in 1977 while enrolled at the University of the Philippines Diliman. They joined the CPP and became involved in international activities in Western Europe. The authors’ involvement in the movement led to interactions with Jose Maria Sison and discussions about the 1993 split and its effects on comrades in Europe.
This information matters because it shows how the authors arrive at their assessments. They narrate their experiences rather than analyzing them through historical documents alone.
Writing with Clarity and Conviction
The book’s short chapters suit its target audience of general readers. Chapters on democracy and transparency, gender and family, protracted people’s war, and corruption make complex political questions easier to digest. The authors use plain language and real-life memories rather than complicated theoretical analysis.
The book’s best moments occur when it connects public principles with private life. When discussing gender and democracy, the authors ask whether a revolutionary group can seek justice beyond itself while practicing inequality within its own organization. This transition from personal observation to judgment is clear, even if some readers disagree with that judgment.
This book has an outspoken position; it is not a neutral textbook about the history of the CPP. Sometimes, the certainty of this stance leaves little room for alternative interpretations. Still, the book’s clear structure and the appendix on “Stalinist distortions” offer ways to explore the topic further.
Lessons Beyond the Revolution
According to the authors, discussions with young Filipinos during a 2025 trip to the Philippines inspired the book. The authors’ concern is less about remembering the past and more about learning from its mistakes. In addition to the discussion of Eastern Europe, which broadens their reflections beyond the Philippines, the book also includes “The Way Forward,” which turns criticism into suggestions for political action.
The authors imagine democratic movements that are feminist, account for climate change, and seek change without violent confrontation. Notably, they believe politics is deeply personal, and that everyone who wants to fight corruption and patriarchy should start with themselves.
Questioning the Past, Shaping the Future
Unmasking the Myths of the CPP and its Leader Joma Sison offers a clear yet engaging discussion of a politically complex topic. The book’s value isn’t that all differences have been settled; it’s that two former activists share why they changed their minds. For history enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in social movements, it is a compelling read.
Discover the Story Behind the Myths
Readers can explore the real-life experiences and political thoughts of Maya and Carlo Butalid in Unmasking the Myths of the CPP and its Leader Joma Sison. Get a copy, available in paperback and eBook at the ReadersMagnet Bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.
