CPP claims NDFP Mindanao spokesperson was executed, did not die in gunfight

Photo of Alvin Luque provided by the military. PHOTO FROM EASTERN MINDANAO COMMAND

DAVAO CITY—The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said National Democratic Front-Mindanao spokesperson Alvin Luque did not die in gunfight as the military claimed but was summarily executed at dawn of Thursday (Dec. 10) when the world was commemorating International Human Rights Day.

Luque, also known by his nom de guerre Ka Joaquin Jacinto, and a still unknown companion, were killed in Hermenias Resort in Tandag City at 1 a.m. on Thursday.

The military’s 4th Infantry Division said in a statement that Luque was killed after violently resisting arrest by a team of policemen and soldiers.

The CPP said Luque’s killing was an assassination because Luque, 51, has not fully recovered from paralysis.

“Ka Joaquin was unarmed and was convalescing,” said the CPP statement emailed to Inquirer.

The CPP statement said Luque had been pulled out of the main office of NDFP Mindanao for medical checkup and “recuperate from partial paralysis.” It said Luque was “physically debilitated” a few months ago and could not walk “after he underwent physical struggles amid heavy enemy operations and counter-guerrilla manuevers.”

The CPP called for an impartial investigation by an independent body of Luque’s killing.

“This dastardly crime must not go unpunished,” the CPP statement said.

“We seek the entire truth behind Ka Joaquin’s murder and seek an impartial investigation by an independent body. We urge the military troops involved in the operation to come out and reveal what they know,” the CPP added.

The five warrants being served on Luque were for kidnapping, illegal detention, attempted murder and other cases.

The military said while the arresting team was serving the warrant on Luque, he and his companion “opened fire towards the arresting forces, which prompted the arresting officers to take cover and return fire.” Luque and his companion were killed in the gunfight.

The military, in a statement, said the arresting team found on Luque a handgun, a grenade, 500 rounds of AK47 bullets, blasting cap, trigger mechanism and other items.

Luque used to be a popular activist and a professor in Davao City who disappeared after he was subjected to threats and charged with crimes which he said were all trumped up.

In 2009, Luque appeared publicly inside the base of New People’s Army where he said he had sought refuge.

Luque quickly rose to the ranks of NPA and was regularly seen in the company of Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos who now leads the NPA’s National Operations Command.

Luque made a public appearance at the Paquibato District of Davao City in 2016 for the anniversary of CPP during which he hosted senior government officials, including members of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Cabinet.

Edited by TSB