The Philippine Army (PA) denounced “in the strongest terms” the killing of four soldiers by suspected Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) terrorists in an ambush in Munai, Lanao del Norte on Friday morning, Jan. 23.

Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, PA commanding general, described the attack on the members of the Task Unit Tabang under the Joint Task Force (JTF) Zampelan of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division (1ID) as “heinous and cowardly.”

The identities of the victims, all enlisted personnel, were not immediately disclosed pending notice to their families.

“We mourn the loss of our four valiant troops who made the ultimate sacrifice in safeguarding communities in Lanao del Norte. The Philippine Army pledges our full and unwavering support to their families as we honor their selfless service to our nation,” he said in a statement.

Based on initial investigation, the soldiers were aboard a blue Toyota Avanza when they were shot by armed men believed to be members of the DI-MG in Purok 1, Barangay Liningding around 10 a.m.

Aside from the four slain soldiers, one officer was also reportedly wounded.

The troops were conducting community support program, a non-combat operation, in the area when they were ambushed.

“That’s why we consider this a treacherous and terror activity,” PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said.

He further stated that the attack could be a retaliation by the DI-MG after successive offensive operations against the group by the Army.

“They want to show they are still strong and they want to recover the control of that community,” Dema-ala noted.

Meanwhile, Nafarrete directed local Army units in the area to intensify the hunt against the perpetrators, in cooperation with law enforcement agencies, local government units, and partner communities.

“There will [be] no let-up in our operations until justice is served. No safe haven will remain for the terrorists who carried out this treacherous attack,” the Army chief said.