VICE President Sara Duterte issued a strong condemnation Sunday following the ambush in Munai, Lanao del Norte, where suspected members of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group killed four soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
In a statement, Duterte said the attack, which occurred on Friday, January 23, posed a direct challenge to peace and security in the country.
She called on concerned government agencies to ensure that justice is served for the fallen soldiers and to guarantee the safety of civilians against threats from terrorists and other criminal groups. “Ang ganitong uri ng karahasan ay isang malinaw na hamon sa estado ng kapayapaan at seguridad ng ating bansa,” Duterte said.
Duterte said she and the entire Office of the Vice President stand in solidarity with the families left behind. She said their service to the nation would not be forgotten and called on Filipinos to remain steadfast and united against terrorism.
The four soldiers were killed during an attack by suspected Dawlah Islamiyah–Maute Group remnants while they were conducting community outreach activities in Barangay Lininding, according to initial reports. The fatalities were identified as Staff Sergeant Diosito Araya, Sergeant Gilbert Arnoza, Sergeant Junel Calgas, and Private Sean Mark Laniton.
