The National Democratic Front (NDF)-Mindoro expressed heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Jerlyn Rose Doydora after she died from an illness caused by the 203rd Infantry Brigade’s ruthless bombing in Sitio Mamara, Barangay Cabacao, Abra De Ilog, Occidental Mindoro on January 1.
Doydora was among the youth who expressed the desire to interview the indigenous people and farmers in Mindoro and the New People’s Army (NPA) Red fighters. They wanted to learn the masses’ concrete situation, the reasons for the armed conflict, and the genuine solution to achieve peace. The NDF-Mindoro facilitated the reception of the visitors in Abra de Ilog before the new year. The indigenous people and farmers in the area guided them, and the NPA unit welcomed them.
NDF-Mindoro spokesperson Ka Ma. Patricia Andal said the youth were caught in the treacherous attack of the AFP-PNP while the NPA was under a ceasefire. The unit managed to defend itself and safely retreat despite the ruthless bombing and strafing by at least four AFP attack helicopters. One youth got separated during the retreat and is currently being searched for by residents in the area. Amid the bombing and strafing, Jerlyn’s illness struck her, which ultimately led to her death.
To ensure that Jerlyn’s family could retrieve her remains, the NPA unit decided to lay her body to rest in the place where she passed away.
“Jerlyn is a martyr of the present generation of youth who seek genuine change in this rotten and corrupt system. We must raise our fists high to honor her daring and courage to live among the masses and their Red army… she wholeheartedly offered her life for the people and their aspiration to be free from poverty,” Ka Patricia stated.
The NDF-Southern Tagalog also condemned the 203rd IBde for spreading terrorism in Abra de Ilog communities. They likewise denounced the blatant exposure of IDs and photos taken from the encounter without regard for the privacy of the youth.
The NDF-Mindoro calls on human rights advocates and civic groups to assist Jerlyn’s family and push for the opening of a humanitarian corridor to retrieve her remains. Alongside this, it also seeks to facilitate the rescue of another youth who was unable to retreat.
