Four soldiers were badly hurt in a grenade attack at a Philippine Army (PA) detachment in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur on Saturday night, March 15.
Colonel Roden Orbon, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), said the suspects were onboard a motorcyle when they lobbed a grenade at the Madia Detachment in Barangay Madia around 7:30 p.m.
“The grenade attack perpetrated by an unidentified armed group resulted in the injuries of four of our soldiers who were performing their duties to maintain peace and order in the area,” he said on Sunday, March 16.
The injured troops are from the 6th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, and they were under observation at an undisclosed hospital in Central Mindanao. Their identities were withheld “for security reasons,” Orbon said, but their ranks are one corporal, one staff sergeant, and two privates first class.
No civilian was reported hurt in the incident.
The military said the grenade attack could be a possible retaliation by the remaining local terrorist groups (LTGs) in the area due to the recent surge in surrenderees.
Sixteen militants surrendered to authorities in Datu Piang town last March 14. Five more, including two bomb experts, surrendered on March 10 in Datu Saudi Ampatuan. Those who surrendered were former members of the Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
“We also have ongoing military and law enforcement support operations there and in adjacent areas,” Orbon said.
The 6ID condemned the attack which occurred on the holy month of Ramadan.
“This kind of violence has no place in a society which perseveres to establish understanding and peace,” Orbon said.
The 6ID launched a follow-up operation to track down the suspects.
Orbon said the Madia Detachment is a “high-risk and strategic” location by the Army.
“It is near the SPMS crossing,” Orbon said, referring to a military term encompassing the areas of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Mamasapano, and Shariff Saydona, where militant activities are heavily monitored.
“The perpetrators have many escape routes. They could have gone to Liguasan Marsh, Datu Piang, or in Datu Saudi Ampatuan or [Barangay] Salbu. They could have also taken a route to Mamasapano. There are a lot of exit points,” he noted.
But he assured the public that the military has coordinated with local authorities and intelligence units to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
“The 6ID remains committed to protect the communities and ensure peace and order in the area, especially during this time of Ramadan. We urge the public to remain calm and vigilant. Reach out to the authorities if you have any information that could help in our investigation and in locating the suspects,” Orbon said.