Palace orders probe into attack on BARMM chief minister's convoy

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a swift and thorough investigation into the ambush of the convoy belonging to the interim chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Abdulraof Macacua. The directive aims to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the attack, emphasizing that such violence must not disrupt the region's peace and transition to democratic governance.

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The incident must not be allowed to undermine peace, stability and the Bangsamoro region’s continuing transition to democratic governance.

The ambush took place on Saturday afternoon along the national highway in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. Armed assailants opened fire on Macacua's convoy, hitting three vehicles, including the bulletproof vehicle carrying the chief minister. Fortunately, Macacua, his companions, and security personnel escaped unharmed.

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The president has directed the appropriate government authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, determine the perpetrators and ensure that they are brought to justice.

Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo Jr. conveyed the President's message, calling for calm and sobriety among the Bangsamoro people. He stressed the importance of allowing authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack without premature conclusions, highlighting that violence cannot be an instrument for resolving disputes in the Bangsamoro.

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Violence cannot be allowed to become an instrument for settling political, personal or other disputes in the Bangsamoro.

Army intelligence units and the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station are collaborating on the investigation. The Commission on Elections has also directed the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to bring the perpetrators to justice, underscoring the need to maintain peace and order. Lagdameo reiterated that preventing fear, retaliation, or further tension is the immediate priority, especially as the region prepares for its first regular parliamentary elections, where peace and stability are crucial for the credibility of the political transition.

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The appeal is particularly significant as the region prepares for its first regular Bangsamoro parliamentary elections, making peace and stability essential to the credibility of the political transition.