Five policemen were killed in an ambush in Barangay Mother Poblacion, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur on Saturday night, March 28.
Three other police officers were wounded.
The victims from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office were on their way back to camp from a patrol when they were waylaid.
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua condemned the ambush.
"We have directed the concerned ministries to immediately undertake a thorough investigation, in close coordination with law enforcement agencies, to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act are swiftly identified and held accountable to the full extent of the law," Macacua said in an online statement.
He symphathized with the families of the victims.
"We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to the families of the fallen personnel. The Bangsamoro government stands in solidarity with them during this time of grief and will extend the necessary assistance to support their bereavement."
Macacua urged people to help bring justice to the victims.
"We likewise call upon our constituents to remain calm, exercise vigilance, and cooperate with authorities by providing any information that may aid in the ongoing investigation."
The wounded were taken to a hospital.
Nobody has claimed responsibility for the incident.
Follow-up investigation and pursuit operations are ongoing.