Slain NPA leader’s comrades, kin want independent autopsy

File photo of Jorge Madlos also known as Ka Oris in Surigao del Sur, December 26, 2014. ERWIN MASCARIÑAS

DAVAO CITY, Davao del Sur, Philippines — Comrades of slain New People’s Army (NPA) senior leader Jorge Madlos are demanding that an independent pathologist be commissioned to do an autopsy in the wake of the controversial circumstances surrounding his death.

The military claimed that Madlos and his medical aide died in a 30-minute clash in Bukidnon on Saturday. But his wife Myrna Sularte, also known as Maria Malaya, an NPA commander, said the unarmed Madlos was ambushed on Friday evening while on his way to a medical checkup.

Marco Valbuena, information chief of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), also expressed in an emailed statement the wish of the family of the slain NPA leader that his body be turned over to them so they could fulfill Ka Oris’ longtime wish to go home to Siargao, where he grew up.

Madlos’ wife said Madlos, 72, and his medical aide were unarmed when they were ambushed near the national highway in Impasug-ong town in Bukidnon at 8 p.m. on Friday.