The Philippine Army on Sunday condemned the ambush and killing of two soldiers in Tuburan, Basilan last Friday, April 11.
“We honor the ultimate sacrifice of two of our soldiers. We enjoin the nation in honoring their sacrifice in securing the people of Basilan,” Army Spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala told the Manila Standard.
Two soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion (18th IB) were killed while another was wounded in a surprise attack on Friday afternoon in Dugaa village.
Lt. Col. Mark Lagud, commander of the 18th IB, confirmed that at about 4:25 p.m., the three were ambushed by an undetermined number of “lawless individuals using M-16 rifles.”
“This act of terrorism will not deter the 18th Infantry Battalion from its mission. In close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the local government unit of Tuburan, a relentless pursuit of the perpetrators responsible for this heinous crime is underway,” Lagud said.
The soldiers were traveling on two motorcycles from the Dugaa patrol base to their company command post in Barangay Lahi-Lahi, Tuburan town when they were waylaid.
Dema-ala said the military already provided bereaved families with special financial assistance.
The Philippine Army also assured the provision of full support to one of our soldiers who was wounded in the ambush. He is now recuperating after undergoing emergency surgery at a private hospital in Zamboanga City, according to Dema-ala.
He noted the Philippine Army has been working with the PNP in enforcing intensified checkpoint and pursuit operations to go after the lawless elements.
“The Philippine Army will relentlessly pursue justice for our troops and will not falter in its continuous quest for peace and development of our nation,” Dema-ala said.