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MANILA, August 17, 2026 (SDN) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos. Jr. on Sunday, August 16, has condemned the brazen attack the other day on the convoy of Bangsamoro interim Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua.
While calling for calmness over the incident, which Macacua had described as “cowardly”, the President, in a statement released by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) also ordered every concerned government instrumentalities to ensure security communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“The president has ordered all concerned government agencies to further strengthen security in Bangsamoro communities and conduct a thorough investigation to identify and hold accountable those behind the attack,” the PCO statement emphasized.
Macacua’s ambush on Saturday, August 15, along the national highway in Barangay Bitu, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, one of the component areas of the BARMM, occurred as the region looks forward to next month’s historic first parliamentary elections on September 14. He and his companions escaped unscathed.
In a related development, BARMM Parliament Speaker Mohammad S. Yacob expressed his strong condemnation of the violence targeting the region’s highest official.
“We strongly condemn in the strongest possible terms the reported armed attack against the convoy of Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua in Barangay Dulangan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte,” Yacob said.
At the same time he was grateful to Allah (SWT) the Chief Minister and his companions escaped without harm.
Related story: BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua Ambushed before Parliamentary Polls, Survives Unscathed in Attempt by Still Unknown Suspects
Just the same, the Speaker said: “(W)e denounce this reprehensible act, which is not merely an attack against a public official buut an affront to the peace, security, and institutions that the Bangsamoro people have tirelessly built through sacrifice, dialogue, and perseverance.”
Yacob cited Islam’s unequivocal rejection of aggression and the unlawful shedding of blood. He quoted a verse in the Holy Qur’an as a reminder that justice instead of vengeance must be the rule even when the times are tough.
“Whoever kills a sould unless for a soul or corruption (done) in the land, it is as if he had slain all mankind. And whoever saves one, it is as if he had saved all mankind.” (Quran Chapter 5, Verse 32)
On behalf of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), as BTA Speaker, Yacob called on the “law enforcement and security agencies to conduct a swift, impartial, and comprehensive investigation” to unmask the responsible individuals and to make sure they are held fully accountable in the eyes of the law even as he appealed to the Bangsamoro people to stay calm, exercise restraint, and refrain from spreading unverified information.
On the other hand, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chaired by Ahod Balawag “Al-Haj Murad” Ebrahim also issued a statement joining condemnation of the violence.
Ebrahim, president of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the MILF’s political wing and regional political party (RPP), pointed out that it’s unaccetable for any individual in the Bangsamoro region to be subject of any act of violence or intimidation.
“We, therefore, reiterate our opposition to violence and intimidation, and call for the immediate, impartial, and thorough investigation on the reported attack, including the identification of those responsible and the determination of the circumstances and motives surrounding the incident,” Ebrahim emphasized.
Macacua had just assumed the leadership as chairperson and president of the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP) before the ambush. His convoy was en route to Cotabato City, seat of the BARMM Government when waylaid by suspects still being determined by authorities.
Both Ebrahim and Macacua are candidates as members of the Parliament (MPs) after the seven years term of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA). Many more from other RPPs are contesting the 80 seats of the regular Parliament of the region.
Over at the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE), Acting Deputy Minister Bantuas “Banjo” M. Lucman, the BARMM attorney general, also made clear his condemnation of the incident.
More gov’t officials expressed condemnation of ambush
“I strongly condemn the reported ambush against the convoy of Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua and his security team in Barangay Bitu, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte,” he said.
Lucman said that being the regional attorney general, he views the ambush “with grave concern because the attack against the head of the Bangsamoro Government is an attack against the rule of law and the institution of government.”
He added: “Whatever disagreement may exist, violence can never be a lawful means of settling political or personal differences. Every person, regardless of position, is entitled to the protection of the law.”
On the other hand, Lucman said that Macacua as acting minister of the MBHTE, he also carries with him the responsibility of leading the government’s initiatives for the learners, teachers, and education workers.
He assured that he stands with the interim Chief Minister, his family, his security personnel, and the Bangsamoro Government as well as with the teachers, education workers, parents, and learners who deserve a government that remains stable, and committed to their welfare.
Earlier, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to look for the attack’s perpetrators.
“Whether this is election related or not, the maintenance of peace and order in the area is of utmost importance. No stone should be left untouched just to ensure that the trust and confidence of the people will remain,” Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said.
Headed by Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) also joined the chorus slamming the attack.
“We are relieved that Chief Minister Macacua and members of his delegation are safe. 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,” Sarmiento said. — EDD K. USMAN (/)