MUNAI, Lanao del Norte — Four soldiers of the Philippine Army were killed while another was wounded after their vehicle was ambushed by suspected members of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group on Friday morning, January 23, 2026, in Purok 1, Barangay Liningding, Munai.
Initial reports said the soldiers were on board a blue Toyota Avanza conducting a routine marketing operation when they were suddenly fired upon by armed men at around 10:00 a.m. The attackers reportedly fled the scene immediately after the ambush.
Authorities have withheld the names of the fatalities and the wounded soldier as the military coordinates with their families.
In response, troops from the 44th Infantry Battalion were immediately deployed to secure the area, recover the remains of the slain soldiers, and evacuate the wounded for urgent medical treatment.
The Philippine Army has launched clearing and pursuit operations against the perpetrators to bring them to justice and prevent further attacks. Security has been tightened across Munai as military units continue operations to ensure the safety of residents and restore stability in the area.
Officials said further details will be released as the investigation progresses.