BY CRIS DIAZ
Executive Editor
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City: The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Impasug-ong in Bukidnon in coordination with the army’s 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division turned over the cremated remains of Jorge Madlos, 72, alias Ka Oris to his family, the military said Wednesday.
Maj. Francisco Garello, Jr., head of the Division of Public Affairs Office (DPAO), said that Rito Madlos, the younger brother, claimed the cremated remains of “Ka Oris” on Tuesday, a day after the cremated remains of Eightfel Dela Peña was claimed by her mother Normelita on Monday.
Garello said that the turned over of Madlos’ cremated remains was done at the municipal hall of Impasug-ong after a Holy Mass participated by military officials and LGU employees led by town Mauor Anthony A. Uy.
He said that Uy extended cash assistance to the Madlls family who travelled from Surigao City to Impasug-ong, Bukidnon to claim the remains of “Ka Oris,” the commander of the New People’s Army (NPA)National Operation Command (NOC).
The family of Dela Peña also received cash assistance from the local government of Impasug-ong, Garello said
In his short message during the turnover rites, Rito Madlos expressed gratitude to the LGU of Impasugong, especially to Mayor Uy and the Philippine Army, particularly the 8IB for the proper treatment of the remains of Jorge as well as in facilitating the mass and the ceremonial turn-over.
The younger Madlos said that it was a mixed emotions on learning the death of his elder brother Jorge whom he saw for the last time seven years ago sometime in 2014.
“We already offered his life to God Almighty. His time is up. We cannot deny that he is a fugitive. I say this in fairness to everyone, in fairness to you (AFP, LGU). “Pasalamat ako gihapon kay luyo sa iyang pagka-fugitive, inyu gihatagan sya ug serbisyo na di nakita sa among pamliya.”(I am thamkful that despite his being a fugitive of the law, you gave him the funeral service that our family did not expect and failed to witness), the younger Madlos said.
“On behalf of the Madlos family of Surigao del Norte and so with my family affiliates in Surigao, I am very thankful to all these efforts that you showed to us. Again, many thanks to all of you,” Madlos said during the turnover ceremony.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Romeo S Brawner Jr, Commander of 4ID, thanked Maoyr Uy and the LGU of Impasugong for extending support and assistance to the Madlos and Dela Peña families.
He said that with the remains of Ka Oris and Ka Pika finally turned-over to their respective families, he hoped it will put closure on issues raised on their deaths and let them rest in peace.
“Once again, our sincerest condolences to the bereaved families of Jorge Madlos and EIghel Dela Peña. True to our commitment in respecting human rights consistent with the rule of law and in abiding with the existing COVID 19 protocols and guidelines, the remains were now properly turned-over to their respective families.
Though the AFP claimed victory and that justice has been served for the people, we offer our prayers to them, may their souls rest in peace”, Brawner Jr said.
Brawnier was also optimistic that the Madlos and Dela Pena families will not allow the remains of their loved ones to be used and dragged by the communist and insurgents as a tool for propaganda. We appeal to the CPP-NPA-NDF to let Jorge Madlos and EIghel Dela Peña finally rest in peace.-0-
