Malacañang affirmed on Monday that the inaugural parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will proceed as scheduled next month, despite a recent attack on the convoy of Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua in Maguindanao del Norte.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has characterized the ambush as an isolated incident, emphasizing that the region remains “generally peaceful” and that election preparations remain on track for the September 14 polls.
“Katulad po nang nabanggit natin na mensahe ng Pangulo, hindi po ito makakapigil sa anumang balak na magkaroon ng tuluy-tuloy na pagbabago para sa pagkakaroon ng pamahalaang demokratiko sa komunidad ng BARMM (As mentioned in the President’s message, this will not hinder any plans for continuous reform aimed at establishing a democratic government within the BARMM community),” Castro said during a press briefing.
Macacua’s convoy was traveling from an official activity in Barangay Gambar, Kabuntalan, when unidentified armed men opened fire as the vehicles traversed Barangay Bitu in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
Macacua and the members of his delegation escaped unharmed during the attack.
Castro added that the Philippine National Police is pursuing an investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators behind the ambush. Official updates regarding regional election logistics and safety protocols can be followed through the Commission on Elections Portal.