Following a weekend assault on his motorcade, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua affirmed on Sunday that the targeted attack will not compromise his dedication to regional peace.
The statement came after law enforcement and military commanders separately denounced the armed ambush against Macacua’s convoy, which took place around 4:45 p.m. Saturday along a highway in Barangay Bitu, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
“This incident will not derail our commitment to democratic progress,” Macacua said in a statement.
”It does not weaken our resolve to hold the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections; if anything, it strengthens our determination to ensure that the voice of the people, rather than the force of arms, dictates the future of our region.”
While three luxury vehicles in the convoy—including the one carrying Macacua—were struck by gunfire, the Chief Minister and his accompanying team escaped the incident without injuries.
“This tragic attempt underscores a painful reality: our society still has much work ahead to achieve true, lasting peace and maturity,” he said.