PRESIDENTIAL Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Mel Senen S. Sarmiento condemned the ambush on the convoy of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on Saturday, Aug. 15.
The attack occurred in Barangay Bitu as the chief minister’s motorcade was passing by the area. Fortunately, Macacua and his delegation emerged unharmed from the incident.
In a statement issued Saturday evening, Sarmiento appealed to the public to refrain from speculating while law enforcement agencies conduct an investigation.
“We call on everyone to remain calm, refrain from speculation or assigning responsibility, and allow the proper authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation,” Sarmiento said. “Those responsible must be held accountable in accordance with the law.”
The incident comes at a critical juncture for the region as it prepares for an important political transition and upcoming elections.
Sarmiento emphasized that the Bangsamoro peace process—anchored on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the Bangsamoro Organic Law—was built over decades of dialogue to establish genuine autonomy and democratic governance.
The peace chief urged political parties, candidates, and supporters to maintain a safe and peaceful environment, warning against letting political rivalries devolve into election-related violence.
“No individual or group should take the law into their own hands or allow political differences, anger, or unverified information to create further tension or violence,” Sarmiento said. “We have come too far in our journey toward peace to allow violence to undermine what has been achieved through decades of dialogue, sacrifice, and peacebuilding.”
Presidential directive
Sarmiento noted that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed government agencies and security forces to support the Commission on Elections in ensuring peaceful and credible polls, while bolstering security to safeguard candidates, voters, and communities across BARMM.
The OPAPRU reiterated its commitment to working with all regional leaders and sectors, regardless of political affiliation, to preserve democratic space and protect the gains of the peace process.
Law enforcement authorities have yet to release further details regarding the identities or motives of the perpetrators behind the attack.
