By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered intensified security and a thorough investigation into the strafing of the convoy of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, stressing that violence will not derail the transition to democratic governance.
President Marcos Jr. condemned the attack and called on all concerned to remain calm and respect the rights and lives of Filipinos.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a statement Sunday, “Nananawagan si Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na maging mahinahon at pairalin ang pagiging makatao na may respeto sa karapatan lalong-lalo na sa buhay ng bawat kababayan natin.”
The President likewise directed concerned government agencies to further strengthen security in Bangsamoro communities and conduct a deeper investigation to identify those behind the attack and ensure they are held accountable.
Castro added, “Ang naganap na karahasan na ginawa kina BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua at mga kasamahan niya ay kinokondena ng Pangulo.”
Macacua was unharmed when gunmen strafed his convoy at around 4:45 p.m. Saturday along the national highway in Barangay Bitu, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
His armored vehicle was hit by several bullets, including one on the driver’s side. Two other armored vehicles in the convoy were also hit.
Castro said the incident would not weaken the administration’s efforts to establish democratic governance in BARMM, “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 attack occurred less than a month before the first elections for the Bangsamoro Parliament on Sept. 14.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have vowed to pursue the perpetrators and intensify security operations in vulnerable areas and along major routes, in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Commission on Elections (Comelec).
The Chief Executive has repeatedly underscored the importance of a peaceful, credible and transparent election in sustaining the Bangsamoro peace process and giving the region’s people a greater role in determining its political future. (PNA)
