MANILA (January 26) — Philippine security forces are stepping up coordination and intelligence-gathering in Mindanao following a deadly ambush in Lanao del Norte that killed four soldiers, officials said Sunday.
PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the Philippine National Police is working closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the national intelligence community to monitor areas vulnerable to terrorism-related recruitment and training.
“We treat all the information we receive seriously. While significant gains have been made in former conflict areas, we continue to monitor the situation on the ground,” Nartatez said.
The ambush occurred on January 23 in Munai, Lanao del Norte, allegedly carried out by suspected members of the Dawlah Islamiyah (DI)–Maute Group targeting government forces conducting non-combat security operations.
Map reference: The affected areas cover Munai in Lanao del Norte, nearby Lanao del Sur, and parts of Maguindanao province within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). These locations remain sensitive due to pockets of extremist activity and remote terrain historically used by armed groups.
Nartatez said police and military units in Lanao and Maguindanao are maintaining heightened vigilance in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to adopt an uncompromising stance against internal security threats and ensure regional stability.
“Strict monitoring and intervention measures have always been part of our protocol to maintain the gains achieved by the national government in promoting peace and development in Mindanao,” he said.
The PNP chief also underscored the importance of community involvement in peace and order. He urged local leaders and residents to report suspicious activity and support programs that strengthen security.
