Cotabato city: Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao condemned the recent shootings and explosions in Cotabato City, which compelled the Commission on Elections to place the city under its control. The incidents have raised significant concerns about the safety and security of the residents, especially during the election period.

According to Philippines News Agency, Macacua expressed his strong disapproval of the violence and intimidation that have marred the peace in the region. "This is deeply alarming. We strongly condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, and the use of firearms that threaten the safety of our people and the right of every Bangsamoro to vote freely and peacefully," Macacua stated in a formal declaration following his vote at Gambar Elementary School in Barangay Gambar, Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte.

The violence included separate shootings in the city, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to approximately 20 others in Barangay Bagua 2 on Sunday night and at the Cotabato City Central Pilot Elementary School (CCCPES) on Monday morning. The assailants entered CCCPES early Monday, targeting voters and engaging in a shootout with police officers, injuring three, including a police officer.

Macacua has ordered security and emergency-response agencies to take swift measures to safeguard the community, provide assistance to victims, and thoroughly investigate each incident. Emphasizing the need for justice, he stated, "I have directed our security and emergency-response agencies to take immediate action to protect communities, assist victims, and investigate every incident," stressing the importance of holding those responsible accountable under the law.