Contrary to the report of the military, Jorge Madlos alias "Ka Oris," the spokesperson and highest ranking officer of the New People's Army (NPA), was allegedly ambushed and not killed in an encounter in Bukidnon, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said Sunday night, Oct. 31.
"Ka Oris was not killed in an armed encounter. He was ambushed on the road between Impasug-ong town proper and the national highway at 8 p.m. of Oct. 29," Marco Valbuena, CPP spokesperson, said in a statement citing Madlos' wife, Myrna Sularte alias "Maria Malaya."
According to the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), operating troops slain the 73-year-old Madlos and his medical aide, Eighfel Dela Peña alias "Ka Pika," in a firefight in Impasugong town on Oct. 30.
But Valbuena contradicted this and said Madlos and Dela Peña were "riding on a motorcycle on their way to seek medical treatment" when they were allegedly ambushed by the military.
"Ka Oris and aide Eighfel Dela Peña (Ka Pika) were both unarmed when ambushed. Whether they were ambushed while moving or were accosted and thereafter executed is still unclear; clearly, however, they were not in a position to give battle and were murdered in cold-blood," Valbuena said.
The CPP spokesperson said the military "concealed their crime of murdering unarmed revolutionaries" by staging aerial strikes hours after the supposed ambush.
He also lambasted Major Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of the 4ID, and other military officers who "shamelessly faced the media, brazenly weaving one lie after to fool the people."
"They are utterly dishonorable officers for propagating false information. We hold them responsible for murder," Valbuena said.
The CPP leadership called on the military to release the body of Madlos and Dela Peña to their respective families so that they can conduct an independent authopsy.
"We support the wishes of the families to have the bodies of Ka Oris and Ka Pica be immediately released to them in order for them to conduct a proper wake and give all those who knew Ka Oris the opportunity to pay their last respects," Valbuena said.
"Ka Oris had long wished to return to Siargao Island where he grew up as a boy. Perhaps, his wish could be fulfilled," he added.
The 4ID has yet to respond to the claims of the CPP as of posting time.