File photo of Jorge Madlos also known as Ka Oris in Surigao del Sur, December 26, 2014. ERWIN MASCARIÑAS
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—A top leader of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in a clash with Army troops in Bukidnon on Saturday, the military says.
In a statement, Major General Romeo S. Brawner Jr, commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said that Jorge Madlos, more known as Ka Oris, was among two casualties in a 30-minute gunfight between soldiers and the NPA guerrillas in Sitio Gabunan, Barangay Dumalaguing, Impasugong town.
Madlos is the spokesperson of the NPA’s National Operational Command, and used to be spokesperson of the National Democratic Front in Mindanao.
The other casualty was identified as Eighfel Dela Pena alias Pika/Maui, his communications and medical staff.
This recent setback by the NPA comes after intense military operations against its strongholds in Bukidnon in the past several weeks.