AFP chief, VP Duterte visit families of slain soldiers

COTABATO CITY— Armed Forces chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Tuesday paid tribute to the four Army personnel killed in an ambush in Maguindanao del Sur last Sunday and ordered an extensive hunt for the terrorists responsible for the atrocity.

Brawner visited their wake at the chapel of the Army's 6th Infantry Division in Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on Tuesday morning.

He assured the families of the four slain members of the 40th Infantry Battalion of the Army's 6th Infantry Division of assistance for their burial.

Brawner and 6th ID's commander, Major Gen.Alex Rillera also separately told reporters that efforts to identify the combined members of the Dawlah Islamiya and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters behind the fatal ambush of the four soldiers are underway.

"Justice will be served. In due time, "  Brawner said.

The AFP chief said that while he is saddened over the demise of his four subordinate enlisted soldiers, he is grateful to them for their "supreme sacrifice" in line of duty as members of the Philippine Army.

The four soldiers were in a vehicle on their way to their command post when combined Dawlah Islamiya and BIFF terrorists, positioned along the road in Barangay Tuayan 1 in Datu Hoffer town, opened fire as they got close, killing all of them on the spot.

Vice President Sara Duterte also visited the wake of the four soldiers on Monday and expressed sympathy with their families. She also extended financial support to their families.