MALACAÑANG said the first regular Bangsamoro parliamentary election on Sept. 14 will proceed despite the recent ambush on the convoy of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro on Monday said, citing the assurances of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia earlier said preparations continue for the holding of the election with over 2 million voters expected to participate.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies to strengthen security in BARMM and conduct a thorough investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the attack. He also called for calm and respect for the lives and rights of all Filipinos.
“Generally, Comelec said the entire BARMM is peaceful,” Castro said in a press briefing on Monday.
“Just like the President’s message that we mentioned, this [ambush incident] will not stop any plans to have continuous change toward achieving a democratic government in the BARMM community,” she said.
Armed men opened fire on Macacua’s convoy on Aug. 15 along the national highway in Barangay Bitu, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
Three vehicles, including the bulletproof car carrying Macacua, were hit by rifle fire. Macacua, his companions and security personnel escaped unharmed.
The incident occurred after Macacua attended a gathering of the Bangsamoro Federalist Party in his hometown, Barangay Gambar, Mother Kabuntalan, where he assumed the chairmanship of the party.
Castro said the Philippine National Police was “conducting a deep investigation” on the identity of the gunmen and the motive of the attack.
