President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned on Monday the ambush on government troopers in Datu Hoffer town in Maguindanao on Sunday, which killed four Army soldiers.
In a statement, the President said he had directed agencies to render assistance and other benefits to the slain soldiers’ families. “Under my administration, we remain resolute in our pledge to ensure that justice is swiftly served for our fallen heroes,” he said.
Media reports stated the four soldiers had just bought food in the town of Datu Hoffer Ampatuan when they were waylaid by suspected Daulah Islamiyah terrorists.
Three belonged to the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion while the fourth victim was from the 3rd Cavalry of the 601st Infantry Brigade.
READ: 4 Army troopers killed in Maguindanao del Sur ambush
The ambush took place as the soldiers were just about to return to their base camp after distributing the food to the villagers of Barangay Tuayan in observance of Iftar, the breaking of the fast of Muslims after sunset during the holy month of Ramadan. —MELVIN GASCON