Four Army soldiers died and another was wounded in an ambush carried out by suspected Dawlah Islamiyah–Maute Group (DI-MG) in Munai, Lanao del Norte yesterday morning.
Initial reports said the soldiers were aboard a blue Toyota Avanza when they were fired upon by armed men believed to be members of the DI-MG in Purok 1, Barangay Liningding around 10 a.m.
The troops were conducting a community support program in the area when they were ambushed.
Army Chief LtGen. Antonio Nafarrete described the attack on the members of the Task Unit Tabang under the Joint Task Force (JTF) Zampelan of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division (1ID) as “heinous and cowardly.”
The identities of the victims, all enlisted personnel, were not immediately disclosed pending notice to their families.
“We mourn the loss of our four valiant troops who made the ultimate sacrifice in safeguarding communities in Lanao del Norte. The Philippine Army pledges our full and unwavering support to their families as we honor their selfless service to our nation,” he said in a statement.
PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the attack could be a retaliation by the DI-MG after successive offensive operations against the group by the Army.
“They want to show they are still strong and they want to recover the control of that community,” Dema-ala noted.
Rex Espiritu
