PLM student dead after AFP-NPA clash

A Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) student died following an airstrike launched by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against the New People’s Army (NPA) in Abra de Ilog, Mindoro, during a unilateral ceasefire on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1.

The National Democratic Front (NDF) identified Jerlyn Rose Doydora, Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Major in English, who, according to the group, has “succumbed to an illness during the period of intensified aerial bombardment and ground assaults in the area.”

According to NDF-Mindoro Spokesperson Ma. Patricia Andal, Doydora was part of a research group from Metro Manila, “integrating” themselves with the locals, and sought an interview with indigenous people and the NPA.

PLM said in a statement on Monday, Jan. 5, that “it has no prior knowledge” of any research or other related activities that were approved or endorsed by the university in the area. 

On the other hand, AFP called the operation “legitimate and intelligence-driven” following reports from the residents that the NPA leaders and members were gathering in the area to mark the group’s founding anniversary.

Rights group KARAPATAN condemned the actions of the AFP and has called for the withdrawal of military forces from civilian areas. NDF-Mindoro is also calling for humanitarian access to allow the retrieval of Doydora’s body.

Meanwhile, another unidentified student has been reportedly missing after being separated from the group during the encounter.