Four soldiers were killed and another was wounded after an ambush targeted a Philippine Army unit in Munai, Lanao del Norte, military and police officials said.
The Western Mindanao Command confirmed that the attack occurred around 10:20 a.m. on Jan. 23, 2026, in Barangay Liningding. The soldiers belonged to Task Unit TABANG, which operates under the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army.
According to WESTMINCOM, the soldiers were part of a Civil-Military Operations unit focused on community service, humanitarian assistance and peace-building. They were not engaged in combat operations at the time of the incident. The wounded personnel was taken for medical treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
Police said the soldiers were riding in a vehicle when they were fired upon near a river. The attackers were believed to be members of the Dawlah Islamiyah–Maute Group, based on initial police reports.
Following the ambush, the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office placed its units on heightened alert. Authorities increased checkpoints, patrols and police visibility in areas considered vulnerable to prevent further violence.
Elements of the 44th Infantry Battalion were immediately deployed to secure the site and pursue the attackers. Clearing operations are ongoing to ensure the safety of nearby communities.
A joint pursuit operation involving the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police was launched to track down the suspects and prevent possible escalation in neighboring areas.
WESTMINCOM condemned the attack, describing it as senseless and treacherous, and vowed that those responsible would be held accountable under the law. The command also expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, whose names were withheld pending notification of their next of kin.
