On March 17th, four members of the Philippine Army (PA) were killed during an ambush in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur province. The soldiers killed in the ambush belong to the 6th Infantry Division’s 40th Infantry Battalion.
At least 10 members of Dawlah Islamiya (DI), allies of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), conducted the ambush. The attack reportedly occurred around 10 a.m. local time when the group fired on the soldier’s vehicle from hidden locations along the road as they passed the ambush site.
Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy Galido did not elaborate further on the matter, only stating: “The soldiers were heading back to their patrol base after buying supplies when the perpetrators ambushed them near a residential area in Barangay Tuayan Mother.”
Galido also expressed condolences toward the soldiers’ families, condemning the attack and describing it as “senseless.” He also said that they are working with local authorities and leaders to continue safety measures for the area and that the incident only “strengthens out resolve” to destroy both DI and BIFF from the Philippines.
