FOUR soldiers died in an ambush staged by suspected members of the terrorist group Daulah Islamiyah (DI)in Datu Hoffer town in Maguindanao del Sur yesterday morning, the military said.
The soldiers were on their way back to their base when they were waylaid at around 10 a.m. in Barangay Tuayan 1, according to Lt. Col. Dennis Almorato, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.
Almorato said at least 10 DI members perpetrated the attack against the troops who had just completed marketing duty.
The soldiers, who were in civilian clothes, used a civilian vehicle for the marketing chores.
Almorato said the soldiers bought food to distribute to people in Muslim communities during the observance of Ramadan, the Muslim’s month-long religious period.
“They were actually on their way back (to their patrol base) after buying supplies,” said Almorato.
Almorato said the suspects unleashed a “volume of fire” using rifles during the ambush. The soldiers, he added, were not able to fight back.
The military withheld the identities of the slain soldiers — two privates, a private first class and a corporal — pending the notification of their families.
“We condemn to the highest degree the brutal slaying of our troops,” said 6th ID commander Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera.
Rillera denounced the attack, noting that it came at a time when Muslims were observing Ramadan.
The military said it has intensified security measures in the area and launched pursuit operations against the perpetrators.
The DI is behind several atrocities in Mindanao, including the bombing at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur in December that left four people dead and 50 others injured.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido blamed members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, another terrorist group, as behind the “ruthless ambush.”
“The Philippine Army condemns the senseless, treacherous and most heinous acts perpetrated by this terrorist group. The Army is committed to ensuring that the perpetrators face the full consequences of their actions and that justice will be served for the victims and their families,” said Galido.
Galido said the Army is working closely with local authorities and community leaders “to ensure that security measures in the area are sustained.
“This incident only strengthens our resolve to eradicate this terrorist group from our land once and for all,” said Galido.
“We also stand in solidarity with the families of our four fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Appropriate benefits and assistance will be provided to their families to help them during this trying time,” added Galido.
