MANILA, Philippines–Communist Party of the Philippines spokesman Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal died more than three months ago after suffering a heart attack, the CCP announced belatedly. He was 64.

Rosal, who had long been rumored to be ill,  “passed away in a guerrilla zone on June 22 after suffering a heart attack,” the CCP said on its website.

“The public announcement was delayed to allow the concerned organs of the CPP to inform Ka Roger’s daughters of their father’s demise. Intense military operations prevented information from reaching his daughters with dispatch. Ka Roger’s siblings have also been informed of his passing,” the statement read.

In a separate statement, the CPP Central Committee said Rosal’s “life of service to the revolution will serve as an inspiration to the people to carry forward their revolutionary struggles.”

“On October 15, all units of the NPA will fall in formation to pay tribute to Ka Roger. At exactly 12 noon, they will carry out a gun salute in his memory. All units of the CPP and revolutionary mass organizations are enjoined to launch tribute meetings to remember Ka Roger and his contributions to the historic revolutionary struggles of the Filipino people,” the CCP said.