Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, March 18, 2024, visited the wake of four soldiers killed in an ambush in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur at the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) headquarters.

Duterte expressed her sympathies and handed over cash assistance to the families of the slain soldiers.

The soldiers were identified as Corporal Creszaldy Espartero of the 3rd Cavalry; and Private First Class Carl Araña and Privates Marvin Dumaguing and Jessie James Corpuz of the 40th Infantry Battalion.

According to the military, the four were ambushed by armed men believed to be members of the Dawlah Islamiya (DI)- Hassan Group near a residential area in Barangay Tuayan as the soldiers were on their way back to base from buying food supplies for the “iftar” (meals served after a day of fasting during Ramadan) morning on Sunday, March 17, 2024.

Duterte also visited the soldiers wounded in action who are recuperating at the Camp Siongco Station Hospital.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces Chief of Staff, General Romeo Brawner Jr., also visited the wake of the soldiers to pay his last respects.

Brawner also vowed to extend assistance to the soldiers’ families.

In his message earlier, Brawner said he will run after the perpetrators ‘to finally put a stop to their violent acts that disrupt peace and stability in the region.’

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines extends its condolences to the families and loved ones left behind by four of our brave soldiers killed in an attack perpetrated by the terrorist Dawla Islamiyah - Hassan Group,” he said.