President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed government agencies to heighten security across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and launch a thorough investigation following an attack on Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua in Maguindanao del Norte.
The assault occurred as Macacua’s convoy was passing through Barangay Bitu in Datu Odin Sinsuat, returning from an event in Barangay Gambar, Kabuntalan. Armed men opened fire on the vehicle, but Macacua and his companions escaped unharmed.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed the President’s directive and highlighted the administration’s resolve despite the incident.
“Inutos ng Pangulo sa lahat ng kinauukulang ahensya ng gobyerno na mas lalong paigtingin ang seguridad sa komunidad ng Bangsamoro at ang malalim na pag-iimbestiga para malaman at mapanagot ang mga nasa likod ng pag-atake na ito (The President has directed all relevant government agencies to further intensify security within Bangsamoro communities and to conduct a thorough investigation to identify and hold accountable those behind this attack),” Castro said.
“Ang naganap na karahasan na ginawa kina BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua at mga kasamahan niya ay kinokondena ng Pangulo ngunit sinisiguro naman na hindi ito magpapahina sa naisin ng gobyerno para sa BARMM communities na magkaroon ng maayos na paglipat o pagbabago patungo sa pamamahalang demokratiko (The President condemns the violence against BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua and his companions, even as he assures that this incident will not weaken the government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition toward democratic governance for BARMM communities),” she added.
Castro also noted that the President urged the public to exercise restraint.
“Nananawagan si Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. na maging mahinahon at pairalin ang pagiging makatao na may respeto sa karapatan lalong-lalo sa buhay ng bawat kababayan natin (President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. calls for sobriety and the observance of humanity and respect for rights, especially the sanctity of life, among all our countrymen),” she said.
Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento joined in condemning the ambush while cautioning against unverified claims.
“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,” Sarmiento said.
Macacua denounced the ambush as a “sad, cowardly act” and reaffirmed his commitment to the region’s democratic path.
“It is deeply heartbreaking that any individual or group would resort to violence to inflict harm. This tragic attempt underscores a painful reality: our society still has much work ahead to achieve true, lasting peace and maturity,” Macacua said.
“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,” he added. “We place our full faith in the law enforcement and security agencies currently conducting a thorough investigation. I call upon the public to remain calm, exercise restraint, and refrain from baseless speculation that could hamper the work of authorities.”