Manila, Jan. 23 -- Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete condemned the "heinous and cowardly" ambush by Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) terrorists that killed four government troops in Munai, Lanao del Norte this Friday.

"We mourn the loss of our four valiant troops who made the ultimate sacrifice in safeguarding communities in Lanao del Norte. The PA pledges our full and unwavering support to their families as we honor their selfless service to our nation," he said in a message to reporters.

Initial reports said the troopers were conducting community outreach works in Barangay Lininding when they were attacked by the terrorists around 10 a.m.

With this development, Nafarrete said PA troops are now intensifying...