The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) expressed deep sadness over the death of Emmanuel Fernandez (Ka Ampog/Akuy/Brad), a member of the Central Committee and one of the revolutionary leaders in Far South Mindanao. Ka Ampog died on October 30 after years of illness. Medics took his remains to a hut in Barangay Buenaflores, Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat, to make arrangements with his family.

The local police got wind of the information and made a report. Soldiers of the 603rd IBde were immediately dispatched. In violation of the rules of war, soldiers shot Ka Ampog’s corpse. They publicly claimed that he was killed in a battle to get a reward. The CPP strongly condemned this desecration by the 603rd IBde.

Ka Ampog hailed from a small landlord family in Tampakan, South Cotabato. Despite this, he spent almost his entire life serving the toiling masses in the region.