VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte has joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in mourning the loss of four soldiers who were killed in a daylight ambush by suspected terrorists in Munai, Lanao del Norte, on Friday morning.
On Saturday, the Philippine Army identified the four soldiers who were killed in an ambush by suspected Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) remnants in Munai, Lanao del Norte.
Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, PA commanding general, said the slain soldiers were Staff Sergeant Diosito Araya, of the 1st Civil-Military Operations Battalion (CMOBn); Sgt. Gilbert Arnoza, of the 106th Infantry Battalion; Sgt. Junel Calgas, of the 97th Infantry Battalion, and Private Sean Mark Laniton, of the 44th Infantry Battalion.
The ambushed soldiers were all enlisted personnel belonging to Task Unit Tabang under the operational control of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade
A fifth soldier, Corporal Rollen Dela Cruz, was wounded and is currently undergoing medical evacuation.
According to the report, the soldiers were members of TU Tabang, a non-combat and community-focused mission, when DI-MG remnants attacked them at Purok 1, Barangay Lininding in Munai on Jan. 23.
In a statement released Sunday, Duterte condemned the attack, describing it as a direct challenge to the country’s peace and security.
“This kind of violence is a clear challenge to the state of peace and security of our nation,” Duterte said in Filipino. “I call on the responsible government agencies to ensure they do not rest until justice is served for these four soldiers.”
The vice president also emphasized that national progress is impossible without order. “Let us remember that our freedom and development depend on peace and order,” she added, offering her condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Philippine Army.
Nafarrete and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. paid their tribute and rendered a final salute to the fallen soldiers during their visit to Lanao del Norte on Saturday.
Brawner and Nafarrete also awarded the Wounded Personnel Medal to Dela Cruz, of the 10th Infantry Battalion, at the Mercy Community Hospital in Barangay Tubod, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, where he is recovering after surviving the ambush.
“We assure their families of full and immediate support. The Philippine Army endeavors to bring comfort to the families of our fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the country and the Filipino people,” Nafarrete said.
Following the ambush, the 44th Infantry Battalion immediately dispatched reinforcement troops to secure the area and recover the bodies. The military has also requested air support from S-70i Black Hawk helicopters for tactical lifts and medical evacuation requirements in the region.
Authorities have intensified operations in Lanao del Norte to track down the perpetrators behind the deadly assault.
Photo courtesy of OVP
