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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Comelec seeks AFP, PNP probe after ambush on BARMM chief

Comelec seeks AFP, PNP probe after ambush on BARMM chief

Published Aug 15, 2026 08:31 pm

At A Glance

  • Comelec chief George Garcia directs PNP, AFP to immediately identify and bring to justice those behind the alleged ambush of BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua's convoy.
  • Comelec has yet to determine if the incident was election-related, with Garcia stressing the importance of maintaining peace and order in the area.
  • Police investigation ongoing after unidentified assailants allegedly fired at Macacua's convoy in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte; casualties, damage, suspects, and motive remain undetermined.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia on Saturday, Aug. 15, called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to immediately identify and bring to justice those behind the ambush of the convoy of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia (Contributed photo)
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia (Contributed photo)

“With the recent development in the BARMM—ambush of the convoy of ICM Macacua—we are directing the PNP and the AFP to immediately determine the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” Garcia said.

Garcia said authorities should determine whether or not the incident was election-related.

He stresses that maintaining peace and order in the area remains of utmost importance.

“No stone should be left untouched just to ensure that the trust and confidence of the people will remain,” said the poll chief.

At the same time, Garcia emphasized that constitutional rights must be respected to ensure the rule of law.

According to an initial police report, personnel from the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station received a call at around 4:50 p.m. regarding the incident, prompting them, along with the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, to proceed to the area to verify it.
Police said that the ambush took place along the General Santos-Cotabato National Highway in Barangay Bitu, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, where the unidentified suspects allegedly fired shots at Macacua's convoy.
Police are still determining the motive behind the incident and whether there were casualties or damage to the vehicles.

Further investigation and validation are ongoing.

Related Tags

Commission on Elections (COMELEC) BARMM Armed Forces of the Philippines Philippine National Police
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