PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed state security forces to tighten measures across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) following a Saturday ambush targeting Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua.
The attack occurred around 4:45 p.m. as Macacua’s convoy traversed Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
Unidentified gunmen fired upon the three-vehicle motorcade as it headed toward the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City.
Macacua was returning from his hometown in Kabuntalan, where he had just taken his oath as chair and president of the newly formed Bangsamoro Federalist Party.
Despite bullet strikes hitting all three armored vehicles—including a direct hit on the driver’s side of Macacua’s vehicle—no injuries were reported.
The convoy managed to drive away safely. Macacua, who remains unharmed, is running for representative of Maguindanao del Norte’s third district in the region’s historic first parliamentary elections scheduled for Sept. 14.
Palace press officer Claire Castro stated on Sunday that President Marcos strongly condemned the assault and ordered a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Marcos urged public calm, stressing that the violence will not derail the government’s commitment to a peaceful transition toward democratic governance in the region.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police have intensified troop deployments along key transportation routes and vulnerable communities.
AFP Chief Gen. Antonio Nafarrete vowed relentless pursuit of the attackers in coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Comelec Chairman George Garcia reinforced that maintaining peace is crucial, insisting that no stone be left unturned regardless of whether the ambush was politically motivated.
Military and electoral officials emphasized that a credible, transparent, and violence-free election remains vital to securing lasting peace, assuring BARMM residents that they will be able to cast their votes safely come September.
