Malacañang affirmed that a recent security breach in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will not halt plans to conduct the area’s inaugural parliamentary vote.
During an August 17 news briefing, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that preparations for the upcoming democratic process remain on schedule.
”Katulad po nang nabanggit natin na mensahe ng Pangulo, hindi po ito makakapigil sa anumang balak na magkaroon ng tuluy-tuloy na pagbabago para sa pagkakaroon ng pamahalaang demokratiko sa komunidad ng BARMM,” Castro said.
”At ayon din naman po sa COMELEC (Commission on Elections) ay tuluy-tuloy rin po ang eleksyon at naghahanda po sila para sa isang peaceful na eleksyon. At generally, sabi ng Comelec ay peaceful naman ang buong BARMM,” Castro added.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reassured residents that the violence would not weaken the administration’s commitment to supporting the region’s transition to self-governance. The statement followed a condemnation of an armed assault directed at the motorcade of BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua in Maguindanao del Norte.
Castro stated that a thorough inquiry into the ambush is ongoing, with Malacañang entrusting law enforcement to trace those responsible.
”And patungkol naman po sa PNP, sa ngayon po ay malalimang pag-iimbestiga pa rin ang isinasagawa nila,” Castro said.
”Pero kung anuman po ang operasyon para malaman kung sino ang nasa likod nito ay ipapaubaya na lamang po natin sa PNP, at hindi po natin maaaring ibunyag sa lahat kung ano pa ang kanilang mga ginagawang pag-iimbestiga at operasyon,” Castro added.
In a separate address, Marcos emphasized the weight of the election, describing it as the product of extended peace efforts and essential to long-term stability and economic expansion in Mindanao.
The vote for the Bangsamoro Parliament is set for September 14.