Top CPP commander Ka Oris killed in firefight — military

George “Ka Oris” Madlos, one of the leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), died following an encounter with government troops in Bukidnon on Saturday, according to the military.

In a statement, the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division said 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.

After the firefight, the military cleared the area and found two dead persons, including Madlos. The soldiers also recovered an M14 rifle, one KG9 rifle, ammunition, other war materiel, and assorted belongings.

The military said they launched an operation against the rebels after they received information that the armed group was “conducting teach-ins and indoctrination” in the community.

“The CNT (CPP-NPA Terrorist) positions were fortified with APMs (anti-personnel mines), hence, we can assume at that time that they were protecting their top leadership. In order to protect our troops, we called for close air support and delivered air strikes towards the CNT positions,” said Brigadier General Ferdinand Barandon, commander of the 403 Brigade.

The military said Madlos was the most wanted New People's Army commander in the country. His criminal cases included robbery with double homicide and damage to properties, multiple murder, and double frustrated murder.

“Ka Oris’ reign of terror has finally ended. Unfortunately, the consequences of his atrocities led to a tragic ending,” said Major General Romeo Brawner Jr., 4ID commander.

“Now, justice has been served for those innocent civilians and their communities he terrorized for several decades. His death could be the final blow for the eventual collapse of the Communist Terrorist Group here in our AOR (area of responsibility),” he added.

Brawner also urged the rebels to return to the fold of the law.

“We will ensure your safety and we will guide you towards a peaceful life. So that you will not suffer the same fate as Ka Oris,” he said. — VBL, GMA News