Four soldiers were confirmed dead in an ambush in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur on Sunday morning, March 17.
According to RH Jun Dimacutac’s report, 601st Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Oriel Pangcog confirmed that armed men attacked the four soldiers from the 40th Infantry Battalion while they were heading back to their patrol base in Sitio Bagurot Brgy. Tuayan.
They were identified as Private First Class Carl Araña, CPL. Creszaldy Espartero, Private Jessie James Corpus, and Private Marvin Dumanguing.
The four reportedly went out to Datu Hoffer to buy food for Iftar, an evening meal eaten by the Muslim community as part of the holy month of Ramadan.
The soldiers were taken to Maguindanao provincial hospital but passed away later on due to serious injuries.
A hot pursuit operation against the perpetrators was launched.
JUST IN: Apat na sundalo mula sa 40th Infantry Battalion (IB) ang kumpirmadong patay sa ambush sa Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur kaninang umaga. | via RH 19 Jun Dimacutac
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) March 17, 2024
REPORT: https://t.co/jPYd871vNt pic.twitter.com/bdUzyy0oqs
Meanwhile, Philippine Army Commanding General LtGen. Roy Galido, in a press statement, condemned the “senseless, treacherous and most heinous acts” against his troops.
He alleged that the attack was launched by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
“We are working closely with local authorities and community leaders to ensure that security measures in the area are sustained. This incident only strengthens our resolve to eradicate this terrorist group from our land once and for all,” Galido said.
Mga nanambang sa 4 na sundalong namimili sana ng pagkain para sa ‘Iftar’ sa Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, pinaniniwalaang miyembro ng BIFF — Philippine Army | RH52 @ednielparrosa #SamaSamaTayoPilipino pic.twitter.com/1xKAzmDxIl
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) March 17, 2024
