Condemnation Statement of Member of Parliament Abdulbasit R Benito on the Ambush Incident Against Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua

Bismillahir Rahman Nir Rahim...

I strongly condemn in the strongest possible terms the cowardly ambush incident against Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua and his convoy this afternoon in Barangay Bito, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, while they were returning to Cotabato City following the assembly of the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP), which was held in Barangay Gambar, Mother Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte, where the Chief Minister formally took his oath as a President of the party.

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. Political differences and ideological beliefs must never be settled through violence and intimidation.

I thank Almighty Allah that the Chief Minister and members of his convoy are safe. At the same time, I call upon law enforcement and security authorities to conduct a swift, thorough, and impartial investigation to identify, arrest, and prosecute all those responsible for this criminal act.

Let us remain united in rejecting violence and in upholding the rule of law. The Bangsamoro people deserve a peaceful environment where leaders and citizens alike can freely exercise their democratic rights without fear of harm or intimidation.

My thoughts and prayers are with Chief Minister Macacua, his family, and all those affected by this incident. We stand in solidarity with him and reaffirm our commitment to peace, justice, and the continued advancement of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Hon. Abdulbasit R. Benito

Member of Parliament

Bangsamoro Transition Authority

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao