Soldiers of the 18th IB rescue their ambushed colleague. (Photo by 18th Infantry Battalion)
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Two soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion (18th IB) were killed while another was wounded in an ambush on Friday afternoon in Barangay Dugaa in Tuburan, Basilan.
Lt. Col. Mark Lagud, commander of the 18th IB, confirmed that at about 4:25 p.m., the three were ambushed by an undetermined number of “lawless individuals using M-16 rifles.”
The three were traveling on two motorcycles from the Dugaa patrol base to their company command post in Barangay Lahi Lahi, Tuburan town when they were waylaid.
After the incident, the gunnmen fled north of the town while the military conducted immediate pursuit operations.
“This act of terrorism will not deter the 18th Infantry Battalion from its mission. In close coordination with the Philippine National Police and the local government unit of Tuburan, a relentless pursuit of the perpetrators responsible for this heinous crime is underway,” Lagud said.
“The 18th Infantry Battalion is committed to bringing these individuals to justice and ensuring they are held fully accountable for their actions. The pursuit will not cease until justice is served,” he added.
