PNP: BARMM exec's convoy ambush a 'suspected election-related incident'

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has classified the reported ambush on the convoy of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua as a "suspected election-related incident."

At a press briefing on Monday, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Allen Rae Co said the matter would first be discussed by concerned agencies, including the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

“As of now, this is considered a suspected election-related incident since it involves a candidate or a public official in the same area and it happened during the election period,” Co said.

“Now, the committee will convene to determine whether this will ultimately be considered an election-related incident once it meets the criteria, so to speak,” he added.

At around 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, Macacua and his entourage escaped unharmed after armed assailants ambushed their five-vehicle convoy while traveling along the General Santos-Cotabato National Highway.

Gunfire hit three of the vehicles.

Macacua was traveling from his hometown in Barangay Gambar, Mother Kabuntalan, where he had attended the proclamation rally of the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP).

He recently joined the party and was named its chairman after previously running as an independent candidate in the province's 3rd District.

COMELEC Chairperson George Erwin Garcia earlier directed the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 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," he said.

"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 added. — MCG, GMA News