President Marcos orders probe into ambush on BARMM Chief Minister Macacua

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 17, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a thorough investigation into the ambush on the convoy of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua last Saturday, August 15.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President wants those behind the attack identified and held accountable.

The ambush happened a month before the BARMM parliamentary elections set for September 14.

According to Usec. Castro, the President called on everyone to remain calm and to uphold respect for human rights, particularly the right to life of every Filipino.

She said the President strongly condemned the incident and assured the public that it will not stop the BARMM elections from pushing through.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army said it remains committed to ensuring a peaceful and orderly conduct of the region’s first parliamentary elections.

The Army said it continues to coordinate with the Commission on Elections, the Philippine National Police, and other concerned agencies to counter armed groups and other threats that may disrupt the elections.

Based on reports, Macacua’s convoy was ambushed at around 4:45 PM last Saturday in Barangay Dulangan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

Armed men fired at three vehicles that were part of the convoy.

No one in the BARMM chief minister’s group was hurt in the attack.

Troops have since tightened security in the area following the incident.