Philippine army: Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete condemned the "heinous and cowardly" ambush by Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) terrorists that killed four government troops in Munai, Lanao del Norte this Friday. "We mourn the loss of our four valiant troops who made the ultimate sacrifice in safeguarding communities in Lanao del Norte. The PA pledges our full and unwavering support to their families as we honor their selfless service to our nation," he said in a message to reporters.

According to Philippines News Agency, initial reports said the troopers were conducting community outreach works in Barangay Lininding when they were attacked by the terrorists around 10 a.m. With this development, Nafarrete said PA troops are now intensifying their operations, in close coordination with law enforcement agencies, local government units and partner communities, to go after the remaining DI-MG terrorists in the area.

He added that the PA stands "resolute and unbreakable" in its mission to serve the people and secure the entire nation. "There will (be) no let up in our operations until justice is served. No safe haven will remain for the terrorists who carried out this treacherous attack," Nafarrete said.