VP Sara condemns attack on soldiers

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January 26, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte condemned the terrorist attack on an Army team that led to the death of four soldiers in Lanao del Norte on Jan. 23. 

In a statement, Duterte said the “violence clearly challenges the state of peace and security in our country.”

“I strongly condemn the attack of a terrorist group in Munai, Lanao del Norte that resulted in the death of four members of the Armed Forces last Friday,” her statement released yesterday declared.

According to reports, S/Sgt. Diosito Araya, Sgts. Gilbert Arnoza and June Calga, and a Private Laniton lost their lives during the attack. Cpl. Rollen dela Cruz was reported injured and is recuperating in a hospital.

 The soldiers belonged to the civil-military operations battalion of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division and were engaged in a humanitarian mission. 

Duterte appealed to government agencies to pursue those responsible for the attack and bring justice to the victims. 

“Let us remember that freedom and development rely on the peace and order in the country,” Duterte said as she asked the people to do their share and prevent criminals from taking control in their communities.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has stepped up monitoring and intelligence-gathering efforts in Mindanao to deter possible terrorism-related recruitment and training, following reports of suspected extremist activity in parts of the region.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units are in constant coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the intelligence community. He stressed that while there is no immediate threat of an extremist resurgence, authorities remain on high alert.

The heightened vigilance came after a peace-monitoring group warned of alleged recruitment and training activities by Dawlah Islamiyah in parts of Lanao and Maguindanao, following the Jan. 23 ambush in Munai, Lanao del Norte that killed four soldiers.

Nartatez said that close monitoring have long been part of government protocol to preserve gains in peace and development efforts in Mindanao.