Probe into ambush of 4 Army troopers in Maguindanao del Sur pushed

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Jinggoy Estrada has filed a resolution seeking a probe into the the ambush of four Army troopers in Maguindanao del Sur last month.

Estrada, in his proposed Senate Resolution No. 984, said  the ambush of four soldiers, identified as Private Marvin Dumaging, Private Jessie James Corpuz, Private First Class Carl Araña, and Corporal Creszaldy Espartero transpired on March 17 in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan allegedly perpetrated by Daulah Islamiyah Terrorist Group.

“The victims were slain while onboard a civilian vehicle on their way back to the patrol base, returning from buying food for the Iftar Muslim community in the area. The enlisted personnel were also reported to be wearing civilian clothing,” said Estrada, chairperson of the Senate committee on national defense and security, peace, unification and reconciliation.

“Brigadier General Oriel Pangcog said that Daulah Islamiyah could have carried out the ruthless attack in retaliation to the previous military operations against them, where some of [their] members were killed and neutralized,” he added.

Estrada then lamented that despite “immense government resources” being allocated for “comprehensive peace efforts” and addressing causes of insurgency and violent extremism, the “threatening security and stability in the area remains.”

This alone prompted him to file his resolution, emphasizing that in light of these attacks, the general public must be assured that the country’s law enforcement authorities are “on top of the situation.”