Metro Manila, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered security forces to investigate the ambush of the convoy of Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua in Maguindanao del Norte, with authorities looking into whether the attack was related to the upcoming BARMM parliamentary elections.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia directed the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines to immediately identify those behind the attack and bring them to justice.
“With the recent development in the BARMM, we are directing the PNP and the AFP to immediately determine the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” Garcia said in a statement Saturday.
“Whether this is election related or not, the maintenance of peace and order in the area is of utmost importance,” he added.
The attack comes less than a month before the Sept. 14 first regular Bangsamoro parliamentary elections, with the campaign period already underway.
Comelec, the AFP, PNP and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity earlier committed to securing the historic vote and providing a “fear-free” environment for voters.
Garcia said authorities should leave “no stone unturned” in investigating the shooting while respecting constitutional rights and the rule of law.
According to the Cotabato City government, Macacua had attended the general assembly of the Bangsamoro Federalist Party in Barangay Gambar, Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte earlier Saturday.
During the gathering, Macacua took his oath before Member of Parliament Tomanda Antok and was named president and chairman of the party.
His convoy was traveling back to Cotabato City when it was ambushed in Barangay Dulangan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, according to the local government.
Authorities have yet to identify the suspects or establish the motive for the attack.
Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao condemned the shooting and called for an “impartial and transparent” investigation.
“We condemn this act of violence without reservation. Any attack that places lives in danger is deeply troubling and has no place in the Bangsamoro,” the city government said.
It called on authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify those responsible and take measures to prevent further violence.
Attack comes weeks before historic BARMM polls
The shooting raises fresh security concerns ahead of the first regular election for the 80-member Bangsamoro Parliament.
The elections are scheduled for Sept. 14, following several postponements and legal challenges over the region’s parliamentary districts. The election period began July 16, while campaigning runs from July 30 to Sept. 12.
The Supreme Court previously struck down Bangsamoro districting laws and stressed that holding the region’s first parliamentary elections remained a priority to fulfill the Bangsamoro Organic Law’s promise of self-governance through elected representation.
Macacua currently heads the interim Bangsamoro government as the region prepares to transition from an appointed authority to its first elected parliament.
