Two soldiers were killed while another was injured after they were ambushed by armed men in Barangay Dugaa, Tuburan, Basilan.

The fatalities were identified as Sergeant Reymark Bation and Corporal Jordan Daquipel. Their companion, Corporal Richivie Flores, was wounded and is recuperating in the hospital, as of this writing.

The three were members of the 18th Infantry Battalion.

According to the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), the victims were heading to their command post on board their motorcycles when they were shot by the assailants.

The suspects allegedly carted away their firearms and escaped.

“These soldiers faced danger not for glory, but out of duty—a duty to protect our people, to secure our land, and to uphold peace in Basilan,” WestMinCom Commander, Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, said.

WestMinCom condemned the incident and is working closely with relevant authorities to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

“To the heartless perpetrators behind this attack—you have not broken our resolve. You have only strengthened our commitment to protect the communities of Basilan. Justice will come, and we will not rest until peace is fully restored,” Nafarrete added.

The military assured the families of the fallen and wounded soldiers that support from WestMinCom and the Philippine Army will continue.