MANILA, Philippines—Islamic rebels in Mindanao gunned down three soldiers in a robbery incident between the borders of Datu Piang and Datu Saudi, Maguindanao Tuesday afternoon.
Colonel Dickson Hermoso, 6th Infantry Division spokesman, said members of the Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters killed one major and two privates first class while they were en route to Midsayap, North Cotabato from General Santos City.
The three slain personnel were stationed at the Army Headquarters in Taguig City.
Without any provocation, the victims were shot at close range and divested of their belongings, Hermoso said.
He added that the three soldiers were onboard a civilian truck when they were attacked.
Responding personnel of the 40th Infantry Battalion brought the victims to the Midsayap Community Hospital in North Cotabato but were declared dead on arrival.
Hermoso did not divulge the identities of the victims as the family members are not yet notified of the incident.