The mother of a deceased female member of the New People’s Army has publicly blamed the Kabataan Party-list and its representative, Renee Co, for the fate of her daughter, Jerlyn Doydora.
Doydora, an alleged NPA member, was found lifeless by government troops during clearing operations on Jan. 2 at Sitio Mamara, Barangay Cabacao, Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro. Military officials earlier said initial reports indicated that she had already died before armed encounters on Jan. 1 and was left behind by her companions as government forces advanced into the area.
Her remains were laid to rest by her family on Tuesday, Jan. 6, following coordination facilitated by the 2nd Infantry Division. The Armed Forces of the Philippines airlifted her remains from Occidental Mindoro to Batangas on Jan. 3 and formally turned them over to her family.
During a media forum held Friday, Jan. 9, Doydora’s mother directly accused Kabataan Party-list of responsibility for her daughter’s death and singled out Rep. Co. She said her daughter had been recruited and later abandoned, alleging that political groups failed to protect her even in death.
She also appealed to organizations to stop using her daughter’s photos in public campaigns seeking justice, saying her family is grieving and wants to mourn in peace. She said her daughter’s life was taken, along with her dreams.
In an earlier statement, 2nd Infantry Division spokesperson Col. Michael Aquino said the division extended assistance to ensure the dignified recovery and return of the remains, stressing that humanitarian considerations guide military operations.
The division reiterated its call for members of armed groups to abandon violence and pursue peace and reconciliation.
