The 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division of the Philippine Army strongly condemned a grenade attack on its detachment in Barangay Madia, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur on Saturday night, March 15.
The assault, perpetrated by unidentified armed individuals, injured four soldiers of 6th Mechanized Infantry Battalion while on duty.
“Your Philippine Army 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division strongly condemns the cowardly attack on our Madia Detachment,” spokesperson Col. Roden Orbon told reporters.
He also expressed dismay over the attack that happened during Ramadan, a sacred period of peace and reflection for Muslim communities.
Authorities have initiated an investigation and are coordinating with intelligence units and local officials to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable.
The military suspects that the grenade attack could be an act of retaliation by remnants of local terrorist groups (LTGs) frustrated by recent setbacks. Orbon noted that several LTG members had recently surrendered, turning over their firearms.
The Madia Detachment, strategically located near the SPMS (Shariff Aguak, Pagatin, Mamasapano, and Salibo) Box—a known area of high security concern—was deemed a likely target for such attacks.
The perpetrators may have fled toward nearby areas like Liguasan Marsh or Mamasapano riding a yellow motorcycle, according to authorities.