VP Sara condemns Lanao del Norte ambush

Vice President Sara Duterte on Sunday condemned the ambush carried out by suspected members of the Dawlah Islamiyah–Maute Group in Munai, Lanao del Norte that left four soldiers dead last Friday.

In a statement, Duterte said the incident poses a serious threat to the country’s peace and security.

“Ang ating panawagan ay tiyakin ng mga responsableng ahensya ng pamahalaan na hindi sila titigil hanggang sa mabigyan ng hustisya ang sinapit ng apat na kasundalohan at tiyaking ligtas ang ating mga mamamayan laban sa banta ng mga kriminal, terorista, at iba pang pwersa na nagnanais na takutin ang ating mamamayan at pahirapan ang ating bansa,” she said.

(Our call is for the responsible government agencies to ensure that they will not stop until justice is served for what happened to the four soldiers, and to ensure that our citizens are safe from the threats of criminals, terrorists, and other forces that seek to intimidate our people and cause suffering to our country.)

“Magtulungan tayo at huwag nating hayaang maghari ang mga kriminal sa ating mga komunidad. Tandaan natin na sa peace and order nakasandal ang ating kalayaan at ang kaunlaran ng ating bansa,” she added.

(Let us work together and not allow criminals to reign over our communities. Let us remember that our freedom and the progress of our nation rest upon peace and order.)

The Philippine Army said personnel from Task Unit Tabang who were conducting community support activities were ambushed by alleged terrorists in Barangay Lininding at around 10 a.m. on January 23. Aside from the four soldiers who were killed, another was wounded.

The Army added that the Maute Group’s attack was retaliatory, citing the community’s support for the government.—MCG, GMA Integrated News