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17August
MILF chief condemns Macacua ambush, calls for thorough probe
- Aug 17, 2026
- Taher G. Solaiman
- HITS: 519
In a statement issued shortly before Sunday morning, Ebrahim stressed that any act of violence or intimidation against any individual in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) "is unacceptable."
"We therefore reiterate our opposition to violence and intimidation, and call for the immediate, impartial, and thorough investigation of the reported attack, including the identification of those responsible and the determination of the circumstances and motives surrounding the incident," the MILF chair said.
He said the safety and security of the Bangsamoro people must remain paramount, particularly during this period of political uncertainty, and urged all parties to refrain from speculation, retaliation, or any action that could heighten tensions ahead of the historic Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections.
Macacua, whom the MILF earlier suspended as chief of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces and removed as secretary-general of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), survived the ambush hours after he was sworn in as chairperson and president of the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP) in Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte. His convoy was attacked in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, while en route back to Cotabato City.
In his own statement, Macacua said the attempt on his life would not deter him from his sworn duty to the Bangsamoro people.
"It does not weaken our resolve to hold the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections; if anything, 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 said, adding that the incident points to unfinished work in building lasting peace and maturity in Bangsamoro society.
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) faction chairman Muslimen Sema, who also serves as BARMM's minister of labor and employment, likewise condemned the attack, calling it a direct strike against the peace, stability, and collective future of the Bangsamoro people. He warned that such lawless acts threaten to undermine the gains of the decades-long peace process at a critical juncture for the region.
As of this writing, no individual or group has claimed responsibility for the ambush, and authorities have yet to release findings on the identity or motive of those involved.
Time in Cotabato
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