The Hukbalahap was a communist-led, peasant-based movement with its roots in the pre-colonial era of political, economic and social inequalities. It is also known as the Hooke Rebellion.
It was founded in the 1940s to fight the Japanese Army that had invaded the Philippines. The Hukbalahap emerged as a popular, well-organised, highly-trained force that aimed to seize power once the war ended.
However, mistrust grew between the U.S. and the Huks which resulted in serious confrontations between the U.S. Army and the rebels. Backed by U.S. forces, the Philippines government disarmed the rebels and arrested their leaders.
Later as President, Ramon Magsaysay led a massive anti-Huks campaign ‘Operation Thunder-Lightning’ in 1954.