CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City - Major General Romeo S Brawner Jr., Commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4ID), said on Wednesday that the remains of New People's Army leader Jorge Madlos alias Ka Oris and NPA National Operation Command staff Eighfel Dela Pena alias Pika/Maui, were already turned over to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the local government unit (LGU) of Impasugong in Bukidnon province on Tuesday (November 2).

"The 4ID thru the 403rd Infantry Brigade has already turned over the remains of the CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) leader and member to the CIDG and LGU of Impasugong, after both terrorists were found Covid-19 positive based on the Reverse Transcription -Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) results released yesterday (Tuesday) by the Philippine National Red Cross. They are the responsible agencies for the proper disposition of the remains in accordance with the Covid protocols and guidelines. Other forthcoming actions depend on the decision of the LGU," Brawner said.

Their remains were subjected to RT-PCR tests after their bodies were found by government troops as a result of an encounter last October 30. The tests were made before extracting their remains from the encounter site as a 4ID standard operating procedure or SOP when a CTG rebel is killed or captured in an encounter or has surrendered in order to ensure that the troops will not get infected.

Brawner also disclosed that the remains of Madlos and Dela Pena were cremated Tuesday night based on the decision of the IATF and in accordance with the existing Covid-19 protocols.

"We are committed to respecting human rights and in adhering to International Humanitarian Law, consistent with the rule of law. Our soldiers are professionals and have sworn to serve the people and protect the land. We have delivered justice for the victims of Madlos who was responsible and accountable for all the atrocities committed during his reign as a notorious and most wanted NPA commander," Brawner said.

Meanwhile, Brawner once again extended his sincerest condolences to the families of Madlos and Dela Pena as he emphasized that the armed encounter that tragically ended their lives is unfortunate but an imperative in the Army's mandate to serve and protect the people, particularly in responding to the appeal for help by the civilian populace when they reported the presence of armed groups in their communities.

"It is in our sincerest desire that the remains will be laid to rest and the families can mourn the passing of their loved ones. After all, even as enemies of the state, they are Filipinos and deserve to have decent burials. On the other hand, I urge the remaining CTG members to finally realize the futility of their armed struggle and put down their arms. In the meantime, we will further intensify and relentlessly implement our focused military operations to go after the remnants of the group of Ka Oris," Brawner said. (PR)