The Philippine Army has denied using bomber drones during a military operation in Tugunan, a Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

According to the 6th Infantry Division, seven people were killed following an encounter between government troops and several wanted individuals over the weekend.

A video of a drone allegedly striking the location of the armed individuals involved in the encounter later circulated on social media.

Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran denied that the military uses drones for bombing operations, saying the equipment is strictly used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), as well as disaster response.

Gumiran has ordered the 6th Infantry Division to investigate the video and determine the circumstances surrounding the footage.

“So ginagamit natin yung drone natin strictly para lamang sa ISR, intelligence, surveillance and more importantly sa HDR,” Gumiran said.

The Army has yet to release the results of its investigation into the video.