CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Army's 1st Infantry Division (ID) said it has intensified its military operations against armed extremist groups involved in Wednesday's ambush that killed two soldiers in Lanao del Norte province.
In a statement on Thursday, Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray III, 1ID commander, condemned the “cowardly act of violence” targeted on the soldiers of the Army's 51st Infantry Battalion (51IB).
“We remain resolute in our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our troops and the local communities we serve," Viray said.
Military reports said 51IB intelligence unit troopers Staff Sergeants Raul Pabuaya and Murphy Delos Santos were both "killed in action" when six members of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group fired on them along the road.
The armed group waylaid the motorcycle-riding victims along the Main Supply Route from Barangay Lininding, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur going to Munai town, Lanao del Norte.
Staff Sgt. Joenipher Etol survived the attack and was rescued by 51IB soldiers.
Maj. Mark Joseph L. Jaque, 51IB officer-in-charge, said families of the fallen soldiers have been informed of the incident and given support. (PNA)
