The top official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has ordered a thorough investigation into the ambush that killed four soldiers and injured one other in Munai, Lanao del Norte on Friday, January 23, 2026.

AFP Chief of Staff, General Romeo Brawner Jr., along with other military officials, visited the families of the soldiers who died in the ambush and extended his sympathies.

The slain soldiers were identified as Staff Sergeant Diosito Araya, Sergeant Gilbert Arnoza, Sergeant Junel Calgas, and Private Sean Mark.

Authorities said the non-combatant soldiers were part of the Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN, which was conducting a community support program in the area when the attack occurred.

The military said the attack was allegedly carried out by the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG).

Brawner also visited the wounded soldier identified as Corporal Rollen Dela Cruz at a hospital.

“Naka-cover ako sa damuhan, hindi na nila ako pinuntaha. Hindi na pumutok baril ko. Parang may natamaan ako dahil naririnig ko sila nagmamadali,” Dela Cruz said.

Brawner said they are looking into the incident to address any operational lapses and to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“We try to correct whatever lapses na merong nangyari sa ating mga kasundalohan so that maewasan natin,but ang gusto po nating ma emphasized natin dito is that yong mga sundalo natin sa area trying to help the community, tumutolong po sila sa ating mga kababayan,so its really very unfortunate na nangyayari ang ganitong insidente,” Brawner said.

The families of the fallen soldiers demanded justice as the soldiers were only reportedly going to the market when they were ambushed.

“Sa top management ng military, sana sa mga sitwasyon na ganyan umalis, dapat alerto sa lahat ng bagay at maging sensitive sa environment at kung may mangangailangan ng rescue ay hindi mabaliwa na lang,” Araya’s wife, Maria, said.

AFP said the remains of the fallen soldiers were be transported on Monday, January 26, 2026, to their respective home provinces for wake and burial rites.