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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider Brawner condoles with families of 4 soldiers killed in ambush

Brawner condoles with families of 4 soldiers killed in ambush

Published Jan 25, 2026 02:12 pm
THE military leadership visits the wake of four soldiers killed in an ambush in Munai, Lanao del Norte on Jan. 22. (Bonita L. Ermac)
THE military leadership visits the wake of four soldiers killed in an ambush in Munai, Lanao del Norte on Jan. 22. (Bonita L. Ermac)
ILIGAN CITY – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. condoled with the families of four soldiers who were killed in an ambush in Munai, Lanao del Norte last week.
Brawner paid tribute to the fallen soldiers for their sacrifice. He assured their families of continued support and assistance from the government and the AFP.
He said the purpose of his visit was to thoroughly assess what transpired, identify areas for improvement, and prevent similar incidents in the future.
"It is truly unfortunate that this incident happened. Our soldiers are there to help the community. Our ultimate goal is to achieve peace and bring development to our communities and to our country," Brawner said.
Brawner has directed commanders in the area to review any operational lapses and immediately address them.
He reiterated his directive to decisively defeat all armed groups and other lawless elements, including communist terrorist groups, local terrorists groups, and other lawless elements before the end of 2026.
The casualties were identified as Staff Sgt. Diosito A. Araya of the 1st Civil Military Operations Battalion; Sgt. Gilbert P. Arnoza of the 106th Infantry Battalion; Sgt. Junel P. Calgas of the 97th Infantry Battalion, and Private Sean Mark Laniton of the 44th Infantry Battalion.
Their remains have been transported to their hometowns.
Brawner also visited the lone survivor of the ambush, Corporal Rollen dela Cruz. He was wounded and is now in stable condition. He will be temporarily assigned to office duty and will not be deployed for field operations.
Dela Cruz said they were ambushed while crossing a river by more than 10 armed men believed to be members of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group.
The wife of Calgas remembers him as a responsible, good, loving husband, and father.
There was no premonition about his death and his last words to her was "Good morning, I love you."
Clagas left behind three kids aged five, three, and two.
Authorities are conducting follow-up investigation.

Related Tags

Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. Munai Lanao del Norte Ambush DI-MG Dawlah Islamiyah Maute Group
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