A SOLDIER was killed in an ambush in a remote village in the province of Lanao del Sur, a military official said Tuesday.
Major Felimon Tan, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the ambush happened around 10:45 a.m. Tuesday in the village of Pantara-Bato, Tugaya, Lanao del Sur.
The slain soldier, who is still unidentified, was among the escort of a convoy transporting armored personnel carrier (APC).
Tan said the convoy consisting of two Humvees, an APC and a prime mover flatbed truck loaded with APC was travelling to the tactical command post of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade in the village of Alog, Lumbatan, Lanao del Sur when they were ambushed.
A 45-minute firefight ensued after troops fought back, resulting to the death of one soldier.
The gunmen fled to different directions upon sensing the arrival of reinforcement from the Alpha Company of the Army’s 41st Infantry Battalion.
Tan said two MG-520 helicopter gunships have also provided close-air support to the ground troops.