MANILA, Philippines—The military’s Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) on Tuesday (Nov. 2) disputed claims by the Communist Party of the Philippines that the death of New People’s Army (NPA) leader Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos was a staged encounter.
“The CPP’s official statement of lies is nothing new,” said Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, Eastmincom chief.
“It was nothing but an overused line that the CPP has been using for many years whenever they find themselves in a disadvantaged position,” Almerol said.
The CPP said Madlos, a spokesperson of the NPA, and his companion Eighfel Dela Peña were unarmed and ambushed in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon while on their way to get medical treatment last Oct. 29.
“To conceal their crime of murdering unarmed revolutionaries, the 4th ID staged aerial strikes four hours later in the vicinity of Barangay Dumalaguing, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon,” the CPP said.
According to military accounts, however, Madlos was killed in a clash with government troopers.
“There is not a single honest bone in the CPP leaders’ and members’ bodies,” Almerol said.
“They have been lying to the people for decades in order to advance their agenda of violence and rob the people of peace and development that they should have been enjoying in their communities many years ago,” Almerol added.
He said that the CPP was discrediting military efforts as the death of Madlos was a major setback to the rebels.
Almerol assured Madlos’ family that the military will release the body of the NPA leader for proper burial once COVID procedures were completed.
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