DAVAO CITY —Six soldiers were killed while four others were wounded when Scout Rangers engaged in an almost two-hour firefight with alleged fighters of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group in Barangay Ramain, Munai, Lanao del Sur, on Sunday.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., confirmed the incident said in a statement issued on Monday.
According to the report, members of the Scout Platoon of 44IB, 1D were conducting a Decisive Military Operation against the DI-Maute Group in Barangay Ramain, Munai, Lanao del Norte last Friday when they encountered fifteen DI-MG members under led by alias “Mas’od”.
While the members of 44IB were fighting, an encounter also broke out between the 7SRC, 3SRB, FSSR, PA OPCON as they headed to the area to reinforce the members of 44IB. They encountered five DI-MG members.
The fatalities were identified as Cpl Rey Anthony Salvador, Cpl Reland Tapinit, Cpl Rodel Mobida, PFC Arnel Tornito, Pvt Micharl John Lumingkit and Pvt James Porras, while the four wounded soldiers were identified as Cpl Jaymark Remotigue, PFC Marvien Aguipo, Pvt Amiril Sakinal, and Pvt Nazareno Provido.
Brawner said the four soldiers were injured during its continuous pursuit operations against members of the DI-Maute Group, which perpetrated the bombing at Mindanao State University in December 2023, leaving four people dead and 50 others wounded.
The Philippine Army deeply condoles with the families of our six fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice in a series of encounter against Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) terrorists .
Four other wounded soldiers are now recovering at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital in Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.
Brawner said the Philippine Army remains relentless in attaining our goal of crushing the remaining DI-MG terrorists. The safety and security of our people are paramount and we will exert all efforts in ensuring that our communities are free from the threat of terrorism.
In a statement LtGen. Roy Galido, the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, assured “The families of our fallen heroes will be well-taken cared of and best medical care is assured to those who are wounded in combat. Also, appropriate benefits and assistance will be provided to help them during this trying time.”
The statement added “While it is an unfortunate day for us, the ultimate sacrifice made by our soldiers only strengthen our determination to end the local terrorist groups once and for all.”
For his part, Maj. Gen. Gabriel C. Viray lll, 1ID Commander, expressed his gratitude to the bravery and dedication of the troops from the 44IB, 7SRC, and 8SRC for their swift and decisive actions during the recent encounters with the DI-MG in Lanao del Norte.
“Their courage in the face of danger and their commitment to protecting our communities are truly commendable despite the challenges such as poor visibility due to thick fog, progress continues as troops remain mobile and pursuit operations are ongoing. On the other hand, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of our fallen heroes and wish a speedy recovery to those injured in the line of duty, Maj. Gen. Viray lll said.
