PRESIDENTMarcos Jr. yesterday condemned the ambush of four soldiers in Maguindanao del Sur the other day which he said only strengthened the government’s resolve to eradicate terrorism in the country.
“We strongly condemn the cowardly ambush that targeted four of our courageous soldiers in Maguindanao del Sur on March 17. This despicable act only strengthens our resolve to eradicate terrorism from the region and our entire nation,” the President said on his official X account (formerly Twitter).
Marcos said his administration remains resolute in its pledge to ensure that justice is swiftly served for the fallen soldiers and urged Filipinos to unite and support the government’s campaign against insurgency and terrorism.
“Let this tragic event unite us in our unwavering commitment to a safer, stronger, and insurgency-free Philippines. Together, we shall prevail against these acts of violence,” he said. Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., meanwhile, vowed to “neutralize” the members of the terrorist group behind the ambush-slay.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada called on the Filipino people to “come together” in condemning the killing of four soldiers.
“Today, we stand united in grief and resolve. The recent ambush in Maguindanao del Sur that killed four soldiers is a stark reminder of the sacrifices of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in their unwavering commitment to protecting our country from enemies of the State,” said Estrada, Committee on National Defense chairman.
Marcosalso instructed the Armed Forces for the immediate provision of benefits and assistance to support the families of the fallen soldiers.
The four soldiers, three of them from the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion and the other from the 3rd Cavalry of the 601st Infantry Brigade were on their way to their base camps after distributing food in Barangay Tuayan in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan in observance of “Iftar,” or the breaking of the fast of Muslims after sunset during the holy month of Ramadan, when they were ambushed by suspected Daulah Islamiyah terrorists.
The AFP had mobilized its forces to go after the gunmen who ambushed the four soldiers.
CONDOLENCES
Brawneralso extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of the four”brave” soldiers, who were ambushed by at least 10 men, armed withrifles, at around 10 a.m. in Barangay Tuayan 1. The soldiers, in civilianclothes, were onboard a civilian vehicle.
“The AFP vows to hunt down the perpetrators and neutralize these ruthless killers to finally put a stop to their violent acts that disrupt peace and stability inthe region,” said Brawner.
“We assure the Filipinos that your Armed Forces is firm on its resolve to performour mandate of protecting the people and the state,” Brawner added.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido earlier condemned the “senseless, treacherous and most heinous acts perpetrated by this terrorist group.”
Galido said 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.”Galido said the attack “strengthens our resolve to eradicate this terrorist group from our land once and for all.”
The Daulah Islamiyah is behind several Mindanao atrocities, including the bombing at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur last December that left four people dead and 50 others injured.
JINGGOYWEIGHS IN
“We must come together to condemn these acts of violence. The incident underscoresthe ongoing conflict and violence in the region where extremist groups continue to pose a threat to peace and stability. We must stand firm against extremism and terrorism,” Estrada added. Estrada said that amid “these ruthless acts,” he is offering his respects to the soldiers for their bravery and resilience in defending the people “even in the face of danger.”
He said the soldiers’ sacrifices “do not go unnoticed,” adding that he stands bythe brave men and women of the armed forces “in this difficult time.
“May the families of our fallen soldiers find solace in the knowledge that their loved ones served with honor and valor,” he said. — With Victor Reyes and Raymond Africa
