Suspected rebels from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters killed two unarmed soldiers—including one who was celeberating his 23rd birthday—in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, the 6th Division of the Philippine Army said on Tuesday morning.
The fatalities were identified as Pfc. Rex Limpahan, who was celebrating his birthday, and his buddy Pfc. Edward Baes. Both were from the 62nd Division Recon Company.
The two had just lit a candle for thanksgiving and prayer at the St. Therese Church in Datu Piang when tragedy struck.
Armed men who were riding in tandem in motorcycles opened fire as they went out of the church courtyard.
Armed men who were riding in tandem in motorcycles opened fire as they went out of the church courtyard.
They were killed immediately as they suffered multiple gunshot wounds caused by .45 caliber and 9 mm pistols and a carbine rifle.
“The slain soldiers went to the church just wearing athletic uniforms to lit a candle and offered a prayer for birthday celebration, we condemn this cowardly attack to our armless men knowing they came from a church”, according to Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesperson of 6th Army Division.
A separate source said, at least seven persons are involved in the liquidation team.
Former St. Therese Parish priest and peace advocate Fr. Bert Layson was saddened when he heard the killing in front of the church.
Some members of the military are calling on human rights groups to condemn the attack as it happened on unarmed soldiers, who just came from church.
Some members of the military are calling on human rights groups to condemn the attack as it happened on unarmed soldiers, who just came from church.
The BIFF spokesperson cannot reached for comment as of posting time. The group has yet to claim the attack on the soldiers.
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