VP Sara visits wake of soldiers slain in Maguindanao del Sur

Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday personally expressed her sympathies when she visited the wake of the four soldiers who were killed in an ambush in Maguindanao del Sur.

According to a “24 Oras” report, Duterte spoke and gave financial assistance to the families of the soldiers in the headquarters of the 6th Infantry Division at Camp Siongco in Maguindanao del Norte.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. was also among the visitors.

On March 17, the victims were killed while onboard a civilian vehicle on their way back to the patrol base in Tuayan 1, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur, at 10 a.m.

The victims were returning with food bought for Iftar for the Muslim community in their area, which they often did during Ramadan.

Security operations have been tightened around the area while the suspects, who are believed to be members of Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group, remained at large.

According to the military, the shooting was planned and possibly a revenge attack for the successive operations of the soldiers against the group.

The suspects are still being pursued. — Sherylin Untalan/DVM, GMA Integrated News