MANILA, Feb. 20 -- Vice President Sara Z. Duterte on Tuesday said the six Army soldiers who recently died in an encounter with Islamic State-linked Maute Group in Lanao del Sur sacrificed their lives for the safety of Filipinos.

Duterte condoled with the families of the fallen soldiers, adding that the threat of terrorism, especially to the youth, is real.

"Ang kanilang kabayanihan ay kapalit ng kaligtasan ng mga Pilipino hindi lang sa Mindanao kundi sa buong Pilipinas (Their heroism was in exchange for the safety of Filipinos not only in Mindanao, but in the entire country)," Duterte said.

"Sa ating pakikiramay sa kanilang mga pamilya ay tandaan sana natin na totoo ang banta ng terorismo at wala itong pinipiling biktima. Tandaan din n...