2 soldiers killed in GCQ mission

From the Manila Times (May 6, 2020): 2 soldiers killed in GCQ mission (By Julmunir I. Jannaral)

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao: Two soldiers from the 57th Infantry Battalion (57th IB) of the Philippine Army were killed and another was wounded while being deployed for implementation of the general community quarantine (GCQ) in Barangay Talibadok, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao.

Maj. Arvin Encinas, spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), on Tuesday said the 57th IB troops had been sent to support the Inter-Agency Task Force in enforcing the GCQ in the area when they were fired at by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on Sunday night.

The gunfight lasted for 45 minutes, he added.

Encinas said the troops were caught by surprise since the attack happened during ongoing observance of the holy month of Ramadan by Muslims worldwide.

The terrorist BIFF, also known as Dawlah Islamiya, is supposedly a Muslim group.

“We are deeply saddened by the report that two of our brave soldiers were killed in action while performing their duties for the good of humanity,” Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom commander, said.

“We will make sure that these terrorists, who are obviously desperate to strike back during this time when we are all working to defeat the coronavirus, will pay for their treacherous act,” he added.

Meanwhile, a former rebel from the communist New People’s Army (NPA) led military forces to NPA firearms and explosives buried in two villages in Antipas, North Cotabato, a high official of the Philippine Army said also on Tuesday.

Lt. Nikko Tarayao, civil military operations chief of the 72nd IB, said the ex-rebel under Guerilla Front 53, who earlier surrendered to the military, led soldiers to the sites.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/05/06/news/regions/2-soldiers-killed-in-gcq-mission/722826/