Photo courtesy of PNA
The Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed to coordinate with the military and other agencies to identify those behind the ambush on the convoy of Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua.
Macacua and his companions were unharmed after unidentified gunmen fired at their convoy at around 4:45 p.m. on August 15 in Barangay Dulangan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
In a statement on Sunday, the PNP said investigators would work to establish who was responsible and ensure that appropriate charges and legal action followed.
The police force said it was coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other concerned agencies to gather information and determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The PNP said it would not speculate on the motive, including whether the ambush was linked to the upcoming elections, until the investigation established the facts.
It added that maintaining peace and order and protecting residents remained the immediate priority in the area.
The Commission on Elections, AFP, BARMM authorities and other stakeholders were also working with police to help keep communities secure ahead of the region’s electoral period. Comelec Chair George Garcia had stressed that peace and order remained critical regardless of whether the incident was election-related.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also condemned the attack and ordered authorities to tighten security in Bangsamoro communities. The PNP urged the public to remain calm and rely on verified information while the investigation continued.