AFP says CPP top leader Ka Oris' death a major blow to communist group

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday said the death of top Communist Party of the Philippines leader George “Ka Oris” Madlos in an encounter with government troops ''is a major blow" to the communist group.

"This is a major blow to the Communist Terrorist Group in Mindanao, and will usher in eventual peace in the region," the AFP said in a statement.

Madlos died following an encounter with government troops in Bukidnon on Saturday, according to the military.

According to the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division, the encounter, which took place in a mountainous area in Barangay Dumalaguing, Impasugong town around 11:30 a.m., also killed another rebel.

The gun battle between the soldiers and around 30 rebels lasted half an hour.

Madlos' body and that of another rebel was found by the military during clearing operations. The soldiers also recovered an M14 rifle, one KG9 rifle, ammunition, other war materiel, and assorted belongings.

The AFP commended the troops from the Philippine Army's 4th Division for the successful combat operations.

It said Ka Oris "was the commander and spokesperson of the NPA’s national operations command and spokesperson of the National Democratic Front in Mindanao."

"He was wanted for criminal cases such as murder, multiple murders with double frustrated murder, and robbery with double homicide and damage to properties," the AFP added.

The military also said Ka Oris "was directly and indirectly responsible for the death of soldiers and civilians for decades."

"His death will deter the activities and plans by the NPA for he can no longer direct the communist terrorists’ violent actions against our people," the AFP said.

The military also called on CPP-NPA leaders and members "to surrender and return to the fold of law."

Meanwhile, the Army's Eastern Mindanao Command also commended the troops for the successful operation leading to Madlos' death.

EastMinCom said Madlos was also an execom member of the CPP Central Committee.

EastMinCom also thanked residents for tipping off the military, saying their "eagerness to help only manifests their desire to put an end to the menace and anti-development sentiments of the CTG in their communities." —KG, GMA News