PH Army firm in ensuring peaceful, orderly, credible BARMM polls

The Philippine Army on Sunday remained committed to helping ensure a peaceful, orderly, and credible conduct of the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), following an ambush in Barangay Dulangan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

“The Philippine Army is committed to helping ensure that the Bangsamoro voters can exercise the right to elect their next leaders,” Lieutenant General Donald Gumiran, Philippine Army commanding general, said in a statement.

“In coordination with the Commission on Elections, Philippine National Police, and other concerned agencies, we will continue to perform our mandate within the bounds of the law and remain vigilant against armed groups and other threats that may undermine the electoral process,” he added.

BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua and his entourage escaped unharmed after armed assailants ambushed their convoy on Saturday afternoon.

Macacua came from his hometown in Barangay Gambar, Mother Kabuntalan when the incident occurred.

He attended the proclamation rally of the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP), the party he recently joined and where he was named chairman after previously running as an independent candidate in the province’s 3rd district.

Gumiran said the Philippine Army continues to conduct community engagement activities and strengthen coordination with local leaders, and intensify security operations along known vulnerable points, including major highways and transit routes across the region.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Sunday ordered a thorough investigation into the ambush against Macacua.

Commission on Elections Chairperson George Erwin Garcia on Saturday directed the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to "immediately determine the perpetrators and bring them to justice."

"Whether this is election related or not, the maintenance of peace and order in the area is of utmost importance. No stone should be left untouched just to ensure that the trust and confidence of the people will remain. However, respect for constitutional rights is paramount to ensure the rule of law," Garcia said.

Macacua meanwhile called the attack a “cowardly act,” and said it underscored the need to pursue lasting peace and greater political maturity in the Bangsamoro region.

“While the heavy responsibility of public office carries inherent security risks, it is deeply heartbreaking that any individual or group would resort to violence to inflict harm,” Macacua said in a statement.

He said the attack would not derail the government’s commitment to democratic progress, including the conduct of the first parliamentary elections next month.

“It strengthens our determination to ensure that the voice of the people, rather than the force of arms, dictates the future of our region,” he added. —KG, GMA News