PH Army: 4 soldiers killed in Lanao del Norte ambush

The Philippine Army on Friday said four soldiers were killed in an ambush carried out by suspected Dawlah Islamiyah–Maute Group (DI-MG) members in Munai, Lanao del Norte.

“At around 10 a.m. 23 January, personnel from Task Unit Tabang were ambushed by allegedly members of DI-Maute Group at Brgy Lininding, Munai, Lanao Del Norte,” Philippine Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala told GMA News Online.

“Four personnel were killed in action and one wounded. Our personnel are conducting Community Support sa area (in the area),” he added.

Dema-ala also told reporters that the Maute Group’s recent attack was retaliatory because the community there is supportive of the government.

“Ang initial assessment dito ng 1st Division is retaliatory para ipakita nung DI-Maute group na malakas pa rin sila doon sa lugar…Ngayon, dahil gusto nila i-recover, so ito yung mga ginagawa nila,” Dema-ala said.

(The initial assessment here by the 1st Division is retaliatory to show the DI-Maute group that they are still strong in the area…Now, because they want to recover, that’s what they are doing.)

“Ang community is very supportive nga doon sa ating mga sundalo doon, sa ating national government. So gusto nilang i-recover yung lugar kaya gumagawa sila ng ganitong mga atrocities, At tinaon nila na yung tropa natin is kumbaga nasa admin activity. Papunta sila ng bayan kaya ito nag-conduct sila ng ambush,” he added.

(The community there is very supportive of our soldiers, of our national government. So they want to recover the area that’s why they are committing these atrocities. And they did this while our troops were on admin activities. They were going to town that’s why they conducted an ambush,)

In a separate statement, the Philippine Army said the ambush occurred while troops were conducting security operations in the area.

The military called the attack “heinous and cowardly.”

“We mourn the loss of our four valiant troops who made the ultimate sacrifice in safeguarding communities in Lanao del Norte,” the Philippine Army said.

“The Philippine Army pledges our full and unwavering support to their families as we honor their selfless service to our nation,” it added.

According to the Army, operations against the perpetrators have been intensified in coordination with law enforcement agencies, local government units, and partner communities. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News