Republic of the Union of Myanmar

Dear Revolutionary People,
Today marks the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Defense Force (PDF) and the People’s Defense Organization (PDO). Looking back on the past five years, we remember how our journey began: when the military junta launched its brutal crackdown on peaceful, unarmed protesters, refusing to submit to such injustice, young revolutionaries took to the forests and mountains, resisting with whatever they could find—from homemade firearms to traditional hunting rifles—risking their lives without hesitation. From those extraordinarily difficult beginnings, we have evolved into a People’s Defense Force equipped with modern weaponry and the capability to conduct complex strategic operations. This transformation is a historic achievement, made possible entirely by the revolutionary spirit of the people.

Dear Revolutionary People,
Throughout this grueling five-year journey, our revolution could not have reached this level of success without your unwavering support, trust, and contributions in every form imaginable. Even amidst the junta’s relentless campaign of village burnings, arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and airstrikes, you shared your food with our fighters and funded the resistance through every available means. Your sacrifices and generosity are beyond measure. The Ministry of Defense extends its deepest respect and tribute to all who have stood united with the resistance—those who have sacrificed their lives, homes, and livelihoods in pursuit of the eradication of military dictatorship. Ours is a bond as inseparable as water and fish. 

We also honor the heroic comrades who gave their lives for the success of the Spring Revolution, and the fighters who continue to battle on the frontlines today despite immense hardship and danger. Their noble sacrifices will be remembered forever.

Dear Revolutionary People,
As a force composed of the sons and daughters of the people, maintaining public trust is as vital to us as life itself. While we take pride in the progress made over these five years, we also openly acknowledge that there have been shortcomings that have undermined public confidence, due to limitations in military experience and disciplinary oversight. We do not overlook these failures. The Ministry of Defense is currently reviewing these matters and implementing rigorous corrective measures. We pledge to you today: we will continue to strengthen our command structure, strictly uphold military ethics, and accelerate institutional reforms until our force has become a disciplined military, truly worthy of the people it serves and protects.

Regarding the broader military situation: temporary strategic withdrawals and the inherent fluctuations of armed conflict are a natural part of warfare. Rather than adhering rigidly to fixed doctrine, we will continue to employ flexible “People’s War” strategies, tailored to the evolving capabilities of both our enemy and ourselves, while deepening our cooperation with allied Ethnic Revolutionary Organizations.

We earnestly urge you not to lose heart over temporary setbacks. Stand firm with determination and unwavering conviction until the goals of this revolution are fully realized. I, along with the officials of the Ministry of Defense, pledge to always stand side-by-side with our comrades in the field. We remain fully committed to uprooting the dictatorship and securing final victory. The people’s revolution can only succeed through the strength of the people. We sincerely hope for your continued safety, and that our shared goal of a Federal Democratic Union is soon within reach.
With deep respect, we issue this Fifth Anniversary Message.

The people’s revolution must prevail.