Ka Oris, companion remains test positive for COVID-19, cremated—military

The remains of George “Ka Oris” Madlos, a commander of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), and his companion were cremated after testing positive for COVID-19, the Philippine Army said on Wednesday.

Ka Oris and his aide Eighfel “Ka Pika” Dela Peña died in an encounter with government troops in Bukidnon on Saturday as reported by the military.

In a statement, the Army said that their bodies have been turned over to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and to the local government of Impasugong in Bukidnon on Tuesday.

“Both terrorists were found COVID-19 positive based on the RT-PCR results released yesterday by the Philippine National Red Cross,” 4th Infantry Division commander Major General Romeo Brawner Jr. said.

“They are the responsible agencies for the proper disposition of the remains in accordance with the COVID protocols and guidelines. Other forthcoming actions depends on the decision of the LGU”, he added.

According to Brawner, the remains of the two were cremated Tuesday night based on the decision of the IATF and in accordance with the existing COVID-19 protocols.

On Sunday, the CPP claimed that Ka Oris was killed in an ambush and not in an armed encounter.

CPP spokesperson Marco Valbuena contradicted military reports, pointing out that Ka Oris and Dela Peña were on their way to seek medical treatment when they were killed.

“Ka Oris was not killed in an armed encounter. He was ambushed on the road between Impasugong town proper and the national highway at 8 p.m. of October 29,” he said in a statement.

“He and his medical aide were riding a motorcycle on their way to seek medical treatment,” he added.

AFP spokesperson Colonel Ramon Zagala maintained that Ka Oris was killed in an encounter, pointing out that CPP was supposedly misdirecting the public.

“Being at the top leadership of the NPA, he is protected 24/7 by more or less 40 NPAs. It is unlikely he will move without these armed elements as claimed by the NPA,” he said.

“As such, we are firm and will stand by our troops on the ground on the legitimacy of this successful encounter,” he added.—LDF, GMA News