Honor guards stand beside the coffin of six soldiers slain in Sunday’s battle with Islamic State-linked terrorists in Munai, Lanao del Norte. (Photo dated Feb. 20, 2024 by LEAH D. AGONOY)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has vowed to strengthen government’s campaign against terrorist groups.
His commitment comes, after six soldiers were killed in clashes with Islamic State-linked Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) group in Munai, Lanao del Norte on February 18.
In a statement on Sunday, Marcos also extended his condolences to the families of the soldiers.
“Ipinapangako natin sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay, at sa sambayanang Pilipino, na ating ipadarama sa kanilang mga naulila, ang pagmamahal at pagkikilala ng pamahalaan sa kanilang nagawang sakripisyo,” he said.
(We promise to their loved ones and the Filipino people that we will make their children feel the love and recognition of government for their sacrifice.)
“Tayo po ay sumasaludo sa sakripisyo ng ating anim na sundalo na nagbuwis ng buhay sa isang enkwentro, upang tayo ay protektahan laban sa mga terorista,” he urged Filipinos.
(We salute the sacrifice of our six soldiers who gave their lives in an encounter to protect us against terrorists.)
Aside from the six, reports said four other members of the Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion were wounded in a firefight with the DI group Barangay Ramain.
The terrorists are known to be operating in areas within Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur.
Marcos said the military launched manhunt operations against the perpetrators.
To help the families of the fallen soldiers, Marcos said financial aid will be given to them.
In a separate statement issued by House Speaker Martin Romualdez, he said a presidential directive for this purpose was given to officials of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“Taos-puso tayong nakikiramay sa mga pamilya nina Corporal Rey Anthony Salvador, Corporal Reland Tapinit, Corporal Rodel Mobida, PFC (Private First Class) Arnel Tornito, Pvt (Private) Micharl John Lumingkit at Pvt James Porras,” he said.
(Our heartfelt condolences to the families of Corporal Rey Anthony Salvador, Corporal Reland Tapinit, Corporal Rodel Mobida, PFC Arnel Tornito, Pvt Micharl John Lumingkit and Pvt James Porras.)
“Dagdag pa rito, nais natin ng mabilis na paggaling sa mga sugatang bayani – sina Corporal Jaymark Remotigue, PFC Marvien Aguipo, Pvt Amiril Sakinal at Pvt Nazareno Provido,” he noted.
(Additionally, we wish a speedy recovery to the wounded heroes – Corporal Jaymark Remotigue, PFC Marvien Aguipo, Pvt Amiril Sakinal and Pvt Nazareno Provido.)