NPA leader’s son, in-law slain in clash

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — A son and daughter-in-law of the late New People’s Army (NPA) leader George Madlos, alias Ka Oris, were killed in an encounter with government security forces in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon over the weekend.

Vincent Isagani Madlos and his wife Angie Salinas died at the scene of the encounter that occurred in Barangay Kapitan Bayong on Saturday, according to the Army’s 4th Infantry Division.

Maj. Francisco Garello Jr., 4ID spokesman, confirmed the death of the couple, who were reportedly senior officials of the NPA-Northern Mindanao Command.

Vincent was reportedly chief of the national technical bureau of the NPA’s national operations command. Angie headed the national communications bureau.

The couple were part of a group that engaged troopers of the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion and Joint Task Force Diamond (JTFD) conducting special operations against communist insurgents in the area.

“Madlos had multiple stan-ding arrest warrants for crimes he committed in Caraga region and Northern Mindanao,” according to Col. Ted Dumosmog, officer in-charge of the 403rd IB.

The military said the troopers recovered two assault rifles and personal belongings at the scene of the encounter.

George Madlos was killed in the same town in October last year, in an encounter with members of the JTFD in Barangay Dumalaguing.

He was spokesman for the NPA’s national operations command.

Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mama-wag, chief of the 4th ID, said the successive neutralization of top communist leaders indicated that the government’s anti-insurgency campaign is gaining ground.

“I am saddened by the fate of the Madlos’ couple, but it reminds other insurgents that they can surrender and prevent getting killed,” Mamawag said. – Michael Punongbayan, John Unson