Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has mandated an intensified security protocol and a comprehensive investigation following the attack on the convoy of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua. The President emphasized that such acts of violence will not hinder the transition to democratic governance in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos condemned the assault and urged all parties involved to maintain calmness and respect for the rights and lives of all Filipinos. "Nananawagan si Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na maging mahinahon at pairalin ang pagiging makatao na may respeto sa karapatan lalong-lalo na sa buhay ng bawat kababayan natin (President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appeals for sobriety and the exercise of humanity, with respect for rights, especially the right to life, of every fellow Filipino)," Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated in a Sunday release.
The President instructed relevant government bodies to enhance security measures in Bangsamoro communities and conduct a deeper investigation to identify the assailants and ensure they are held accountable. "Ang naganap na karahasan na ginawa kina BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua at mga kasamahan niya ay kinokondena ng Pangulo (The President condemns the violence committed against BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua and his colleagues)," Castro reiterated.
Macacua was unharmed during the incident when gunmen attacked his convoy at approximately 4:45 p.m. on Saturday along the national highway in Barangay Bitu, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. His armored vehicle, along with two other vehicles in the convoy, sustained bullet impacts.
Castro assured that the attack would not weaken the administration's efforts to establish democratic governance in the BARMM region. "Sinisiguro naman na hindi ito magpapahina sa naisin ng gobyerno para sa BARMM communities na magkaroon ng maayos na paglipat o pagbabago patungo sa pamamahalang demokratiko (Assurances are being given that this will not undermine the government's objective for BARMM communities to achieve a smooth transition or shift toward democratic governance)," she noted.
The ambush took place less than a month before the first elections for the Bangsamoro Parliament on September 14. The Armed Forces of the Philippines have pledged to pursue the perpetrators and increase security operations in vulnerable areas and major routes, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police and Commission on Elections.
Marcos has consistently highlighted the significance of a peaceful, credible, and transparent election in sustaining the Bangsamoro peace process and enabling the region's residents to have a greater role in shaping their political future.
