MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Sunday called for calm and sobriety among the Bangsamoro people following the ambush on the convoy of Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo Jr. said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered law enforcement agencies to swiftly get to the bottom of the attack and hold those responsible accountable.
Lagdameo said the President’s message is clear: the incident must not be allowed to undermine peace, stability and the Bangsamoro region’s continuing transition to democratic governance.
He made the appeal as the region prepares for its first regular parliamentary election, making peace and stability essential to the credibility of the political transition.
Lagdameo raised the need for sobriety and restraint among Bangsamoro communities as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those behind it.
Armed men opened fire on Macacua’s convoy at 4:45 p.m. on Saturday along the national highway in Barangay Bitu, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
Three vehicles, including the bulletproof car carrying Macacua, were hit by rifle fire, according to reports, but the interim chief minister, his companions and security personnel escaped unharmed.
Authorities have yet to identify the gunmen or establish the motive for the attack, and officials have cautioned against premature conclusions while the investigation is ongoing.
The attack triggered concern because of Macacua’s position as BARMM head and its potential implications for peace and stability in the region.
Lagdameo said the immediate priority is to “prevent the incident from triggering fear, retaliation or further tension among communities in the Bangsamoro.”
He called on Bangsamoro leaders and residents to remain calm and allow the authorities to complete their investigation rather than speculate on the identity or motive of the attackers.
Lagdameo said the national government remains committed to working with BARMM officials and communities in maintaining peace, protecting public officials and ensuring that disputes are addressed through lawful and democratic means.
