Four soldiers on a non-combat, community-focused mission were killed and one wounded after suspected Dawlah Islamiyah–Maute Group members ambushed Philippine Army troops in Barangay Lininding, Munai, Lanao del Norte, at around 10:20 AM on January 23. Reports said all the victims, who were unarmed, were traveling in a blue Toyota Avanza when the attack occurred. The military described the ambush—believed to be retaliation for the community’s support of the government—as “heinous and cowardly.” The Philippine Army extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and said it has intensified operations with law enforcement and local partners to track down those responsible.
The fallen soldiers were identified as:
- SSg Diosito A. Araya (INF) PA, 1st Civil Military Operations Battalion
- Sgt Gilbert P. Arnoza (MI) PA, 106th Infantry Battalion
- Sgt Junel M. Calgas (SC) PA, 97th Infantry Battalion
- Pvt. Sean Mark Laniton (Inf) PA, 44th Infantry Battalion
The victims were unarmed and in civilian clothes when they were ambushed.
Photos below of the fallen heroes via Kalinaw News.
Meanwhile, Cpl. Rollen Dela Cruz of the 10th Infantry Battalion was wounded in the attack but survived. He is currently recuperating at a hospital in Iligan City. Army Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete alongside AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. conferred the Wounded Personnel Medal (WPM) to dela Cruz.
Army Chief Lt. Gen. Nafarrete condoled with the victims’ families.
