4 soldiers slain in Maguindanao ambush

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Four Army soldiers were killed in an ambush in Datu Hofer, Maguindanao del Sur yesterday morning.

The fatalities were identified as Pvts. Marvin Dumaguing and Jessie James Corpuz, P/1st Class Carl Araña and Cpl. Creszaldy Espertero of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion.

The soldiers and their companions were on their way to their command post when suspected terrorists of the Dawlah Islamiya waylaid them in Barangay Tuayan.

The troopers were declared dead on arrival at the nearby Maguindanao Provincial Hospital, where they were rushed by responding police officers and soldiers.