Palace: Probe ambush of Bangsamoro chief’s convoy

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao interim Chief Minister Abdurao Macacua (in black jacket) inspects one of the vehicles in his convoy hit by bullets in an ambush along the national highway in Barangay Bitu, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

Photo from Macacua’s FB page

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos ordered agencies to enhance the security measures in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and to identify who was behind the attack on the convoy of BARMM interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on Saturday.

“He (Marcos) gave an assurance that it would not weaken the desire of the government for BARMM communities to have a smooth transition toward a democratic government,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said in a text message yesterday.

“The President directed all relevant agencies of the government to further strengthen the security in the communities of the Bangsamoro and to conduct an in-depth investigation to determine who was behind this attack and who should be accountable,” she added.

Marcos also called for calm and for the respect of human rights as authorities look into the incident, where no one was reported injured.

Comelec orders probe

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to immediately investigate the alleged shooting.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said authorities should establish whether the incident was election-related, stressing that maintaining peace and order in the area remains a priority.

AFP chief Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said they have launched efforts to identify those responsible said it would coordinate with the PNP, Comelec and other concerned agencies.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stressed that law enforcement authorities will refrain from speculating on the motive behind the attack, including whether it is politically motivated, pending the outcome of official forensic and tactical investigations.

Security forces have heightened their vigilance and strengthened security measures in vulnerable areas and major routes across the region following the incident.

Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Mel Senen Sarmiento called on all sectors to refrain from speculation and allow law enforcement agencies to conduct an impartial investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur first district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong condemned the attack especially as he said it occurred barely one month before the first BARMM parliamentary elections.

“This attack strikes not only at the life of the Chief Minister but at the very foundation of the Bangsamoro peace process,” Adiong said. — Rainier Allan Ronda, Delon Porcalla, Christine Boton, Pia Lee-Brago, John Unson