Presidential candidate and Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard-bearer Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. hailed on Tuesday, November 2, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for its notable anti-insurgency operation that killed a leading communist rebel leader recently.

"I would like to commend the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the 403rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division under Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner, for the successful anti-insurgency operations that led to the neutralization of Jorge Madlos alias "Ka Oris" of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in the mountains of Bukidnon," Marcos said in a press statement.

"It is but right for us peace-loving people to commend the AFP for they are the ones who are at the forefront fighting this lonely war by themselves, they are the ones who held our beloved country safely in their arms before their own personal safety."

"We do not, however, rejoice over the neutralization of "Ka Oris (Madlos)", for the fact remains that this is a question of killing a fellow Filipino by fellow Filipinos," added the former senator.

"But we do hope for this to finally come to an end and I share the dream of my fellow Filipino people for the closure of this bloody chapter in our nation’s history that has dragged on now for more than five decades."

The former Ilocos Norte governor noted that the AFP is finally on the threshold of putting an end to the bloody war against communist rebels that has claimed thousands of innocent lives and crushed the dreams of Filipino youth and their families.

"It is also a sad fact, that this insurgency in our midst has somewhat hampered our nation’s progress, especially in the countryside, because military operations command a hefty budget that must have fed millions of Filipinos or if not, the construction of infrastructure projects, much needed in those areas," added the two-time Ilocos Norte 2nd district congressman.

"Ka Oris may have a hand in countless crimes against humanity, as they say, and may have taken a lead role in the recruitment and radicalization of our less fortunate brothers and sisters in the countryside, but still, most of us hope that his death would move us, our country, a step closer to achieving long-lasting peace and put an end to the killings of fellow Filipinos."

Marcos also called on communist rebels fighting the military to lay down their arms and return to the fold. He added that they need to surrender and accept the government's offer to enjoy a peaceful and productive life.

"Again, to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, I salute you for a job well done!" Marcos concluded. (Melvin Sarangay)