DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte — A member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament has issued a strong condemnation following an ambush on the convoy of Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua, labeling the incident an attack on the region's peace and democratic aspirations.
In a press statement released shortly after the incident, Member of Parliament (MP) Abdulbasit R. Benito confirmed that Chief Minister Macacua and the members of his convoy escaped the attack unharmed.
The ambush reportedly took place in Barangay Bito, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. According to Benito’s statement, the Chief Minister’s convoy was en route to Cotabato City returning from Barangay Gambar, Mother Kabuntalan. Macacua had just attended the assembly of the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP), where he formally took his oath as the party's president.
"This senseless act of violence is not only an attack against the person of Chief Minister Macacua but also an attack against peace, democracy, and the collective aspirations of the Bangsamoro people for stability and progress," Benito stated.
The lawmaker emphasized that political differences and ideological beliefs must never be settled through violence or intimidation.
In the wake of the attack, MP Benito called on law enforcement and security authorities to launch a "swift, thorough, and impartial investigation" to identify, apprehend, and prosecute the perpetrators behind what he described as a cowardly and criminal act.
Appealing to the public for solidarity, Benito urged the Bangsamoro people to remain united in upholding the rule of law and rejecting violence during this critical period of transition.
"The Bangsamoro people deserve a peaceful environment where leaders and citizens alike can freely exercise their democratic rights without fear of harm or intimidation," Benito added, offering his thoughts and prayers to the Chief Minister, his family, and others affected by the incident.
Authorities have yet to release official details regarding the identities of the attackers or the specific weapons used in the ambush. Local police and military units are expected to heighten security measures in the area as investigations commence.
