INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Three soldiers were killed after an ambush by armed individuals in Al-Barka town in Basilan province on Thursday afternoon, the military said.
Brigadier General Domingo Gobway, Commander of Joint Task Force Basilan told reporters that the elements of 18th Infantry Battalion had an exchange of fire with more or less seven people in Barangay Magkawa at 1:30 p.m. which lasted for 10 minutes.
In a separate statement, Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) commander Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. said the lawless elements are believed to be led by a certain Abaas Jangkatan.
Rosario added that pursuit operations are currently being conducted against the lawless elements.
“We are deeply saddened by the report that three of our brave soldiers were killed in action while performing their duties. We pray for their eternal repose and we extend our commiseration to their bereaved families,” he said.