NATIONAL Democratic Front of the Philippines in North-East Mindanao Region (NDFP-NEMR) on Sunday confirmed the death of Jorge Madlos aka “Ka Oris.”

Like the NDFP, NDF-Northeast Mindanao spokesperson Maria Malaya even said, 'Ka Oris' was ambushed by the government soldiers and not killed during an encounter.

"While onboard a motorcycle on their way to the national highway, Ka Oris and his female medic were ambushed and killed," said Malaya, Ka Oris' wife.

Malaya, clarified that Army's 4th Infantry Division commander Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner’s claim that Ka Oris was killed in an encounter with government soldiers was a lie.

“Ka Oris and his companion were from the poblacion of the Impasug-ong town, Bukidnon going towards the national highway where, it is believed, they were ambushed and killed,” said Malaya adding that they never reached the highway.

There was no exchange of gunfire because Ka Oris was unarmed when he left the area for his regular medical checkup and treatment, according to Malaya.

The military did not even conduct an airstrike in the area, according to Malaya.

"We challenge Brawner to reveal to the media and the public what really happened, to not be a big liar, for only then can he truly take pride in his achievement of killing Ka Oris."

“We challenge Brig. Gen. Brawner to reveal to the media and the public what really happened, to not be a big liar, for only then can he truly take pride in his achievement of killing Ka Oris,” she said.

Oris was a legendary New People’s Army commander for several decades and was the revolutionary army’s national operational command spokesperson at the time of his death.

Madlos had long suffered from a renal ailment, and was known to have a colostomy bag.

“To all media people and many others who knew Ka Oris, this is but an initial report about the circumstances of his death,” said Malaya, adding that the military is still in possession of Madlos' remains.

“We hope that the Duterte government, the AFP and PNP will not prevent the wake of Ka Oris so that for the last time, he can be visited by all those who know him,” said Malaya.

She said it was similar to what the Davao City then mayor Rodrigo Duterte allowed public wake for Leoncio Pitao in 2015. (Ben Balce)