Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua reiterated on Sunday that the attempt on his life will not stop him from pursuing peace in the region.
This came as police and military officials separately issued statements condemning Saturday’s 4:45 p.m. ambush of Macacua’s convoy along the national highway in Barangay Bitu, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
“This incident will not derail our commitment to democratic progress,” Macacua said in a statement.
“It does not weaken our resolve to hold the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections; if anything, it strengthens our determination to ensure that the voice of the people, rather than the force of arms, dictates the future of our region.”
Macacua and his staff were unharmed during the ambush. However, three of his luxury vehicles, including the one he was riding in, sustained bullet holes.
“This tragic attempt underscores a painful reality: our society still has much work ahead to achieve true, lasting peace and maturity,” he said.
Thorough, impartial probe
Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento strongly condemned the attack, adding that the incident must not derail the long-standing peace process.
In a statement, Sarmiento said the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the Bangsamoro Organic Law provided the framework for democratic aspirations.
With the region’s first regular parliamentary polls scheduled for Sept. 14, the OPAPRU chief reminded stakeholders that they share a joint responsibility to protect candidates and voters alike.
He said peaceful, credible, and democratic elections will strengthen confidence in Bangsamoro institutions, consolidate the gains of the peace process, and contribute to greater stability and economic opportunity.
“We urge everyone to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law. No individual or group should take the law into their own hands or allow political differences, anger, or unverified information to create further tension or violence. The investigation must be allowed to establish the facts independently and objectively,” he added.
Sarmiento said OPAPRU remains committed to working with all stakeholders, without political distinction, to protect the gains of the peace process and preserve democratic space in the Bangsamoro.
“As directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we call on all sectors to support the Comelec (Commission on Elections) in ensuring peaceful, orderly, and credible elections and our security forces in safeguarding communities, candidates, and voters,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sarmiento expressed relief that Macacua and his delegation were unharmed.
“We call on everyone to remain calm, refrain from speculation or assigning responsibility, and allow the proper authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. Those responsible must be held accountable in accordance with the law,” he added.
For his part, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia has directed the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to immediately identify and arrest the suspects behind the incident.
“Whether this is election related or not, the maintenance of peace and order in the area is of utmost importance,” he said in a statement Saturday.
“No stone should be left (unturned) just to ensure that the trust and confidence of the people will remain. However, respect for constitutional rights is paramount to ensure the rule of law.”
Initial investigation disclosed that unidentified malefactors allegedly fired shots at the convoy of the BARMM official, prompting an ongoing probe to determine the suspects, motive, and potential casualties.
Broad condemnation
In a separate statement, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim condemned the attack against Macacua’s convoy.
“We reiterate our opposition to violence and intimidation and call for an immediate, impartial, and thorough investigation of the reported attack, including identifying those responsible and determining the circumstances and motives surrounding the incident,” Ebrahim said.
The Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) also denounced the incident.
“The 6ID emphasizes that any attack on public officials, government personnel, or civilians is unacceptable and must not undermine peace, security, and stability in the Bangsamoro region,” Brig. Gen. Ricky Bunayog, acting commander of the 6ID, said.
Bunayog assured the public that the military is actively coordinating with the police and local authorities to secure the area and support the ongoing investigation.
Moreover, Brig. Gen. Christopher Abecia, BARMM police chief, branded the strafing incident a lawless act of violence.
“We consider this act of violence unacceptable and a serious threat to peace and security in the Bangsamoro region,” Abecia said, adding that the investigation is ongoing to identify those responsible and determine the motive behind the incident.
Muslimin Sema, chairman of one of the factions of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), likewise condemned the attempt on Macacua’s life, describing it as a direct strike against regional stability.
“At a delicate moment when our region works tirelessly to consolidate progress, such lawless acts threaten to undermine the hard-won gains of the peace process that cost decades of sacrifice,” Sema, who is also the concurrent BARMM labor minister, said. (with reports from Priam Nepomuceno, Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)