President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Photo courtesy of the Presidential Communications Office)
President Marcos has condemned the armed attack at the convoy of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua in Maguindanao del Norte.
The President, according to Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro, ordered all government agencies to tighten the security in Bangsamoro communities and conduct thorough investigation to identify those behind the shooting incident.
He also assured them that the incident will not weaken the government's commitment to helping BARMM carry out a smooth transition to a democratic governance.
"Ang naganap na karahasan na ginawa kina BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua at mga kasamahan niya ay kinokondena ng Pangulo (The President condemns the violence carried out against BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua and his companions)," Castro said on Sunday, Aug. 16.
"Ngunit sinisiguro naman na hindi ito magpapahina sa naisin ng gobyerno para sa BARMM communities na magkaroon ng maayos na paglipat o pagbabago patungo sa pamamahalang demokratiko (However, he assures the public that this incident will not weaken the government’s commitment to helping the BARMM communities achieve a smooth transition toward democratic governance)," Castro added.
Marcos also called on the public to remain calm and uphold humanity.
"Nananawagan si Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. na maging mahinahon at pairalin ang pagiging makatao na may respeto sa karapatan lalong lalo sa buhay ng bawat kababayan natin (President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is calling on everyone to remain calm and uphold humanity and respect for the rights of every Filipino, especially the right to life)," Castro said.
According to authorities, the attack took place along the National Highway in Barangay Bitu, Datu Odin Sinsuat at around 4:44 p.m. on Aug. 15.
Initial information showed that the attackers fled in an unknown direction after the incident while the convoy proceeded toward Cotabato City.