The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vowed on Sunday, Aug. 16, to pursue those behind the attack on the convoy of BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua in Maguindanao del Norte as it intensified security operations in vulnerable areas across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to protect the upcoming parliamentary elections.

General Antonio Nafarrete, AFP chief of staff, condemned the strafing of Macacua’s convoy in Barangay Bitu, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on Aug. 15 although the incident did not cause physical harm to the BARMM chief minister.

“The AFP will pursue the perpetrators and work closely with the Philippine National Police, Commission on Elections, and other concerned agencies to identify those responsible and ensure that they are held accountable under the law,” Nafarrete said.

Security forces have since intensified their presence along major routes and other areas considered vulnerable to attacks. Authorities have yet to identify the gunmen behind the strafing.

The attack came as BARMM prepares for its inaugural parliamentary elections on September 14, a major step in the political transition under the Bangsamoro peace process.

Nafarrete urged the public to remain calm and avoid actions that could further raise tensions in the region.

“The AFP calls on political leaders, candidates, communities, and the Bangsamoro people to remain calm, exercise restraint, and work together to ensure a peaceful, safe, and credible electoral environment,” he said.

“We remain committed to protecting the people, preserving peace and order, and supporting the peaceful conduct of the BARMM elections so that the people of Bangsamoro can exercise their right to vote freely and without fear, contributing to a peaceful and stable BARMM,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army (PA) said the incident would not weaken its commitment to securing the elections.

“While the Chief Minister was unharmed following the attack, this incident does not change our resolve,” Lt. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, Army commanding general, said.

Gumiran said a credible election would be an important step for the Bangsamoro government and the Army, he added, would help ensure that voters could choose their leaders without fear.

“A credible and transparent election this September will be a huge step forward for the Bangsamoro regional government and the Philippine Army is committed to helping ensure that the Bangsamoro voters can exercise the right to elect their next leaders,” he said.

The Army said its units had intensified security operations at known vulnerable points, including major highways and transit routes across the region.

“The Philippine Army assures the Bangsamoro people that we remain steadfast in our commitment to protect communities, preserve peace and order, and support a safe and credible electoral environment,” Gumiran said.

Last week, the Army deployed 561 soldiers under Task Force 92 to Maguindanao to help secure the first BARMM parliamentary elections, protect voters, and prevent threats and intimidation.

The task force, organized by the 1st Brigade Combat Team, was sent off at Fort Magsaysay on Aug. 5 and will initially operate under the 602nd Infantry Brigade in parts of Maguindanao, the Bangsamoro Special Geographic Area, and North Cotabato.

Led by Lt. Col. Anacito C. Naz, Task Force 92 includes infantry, intelligence, mortar, EOD, K9, civil-military operations, combat engineer and sustainment units. It will also conduct community engagement and coordinate with government agencies.

The deployment added to at least 1,500 additional Army troops already mobilized in BARMM to strengthen security and enforce the election gun ban.