Vice Mayor Omar A. Samama of Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur was wounded in a shooting incident Monday morning while he was delivering a speech at a medical mission in Barangay Poblacion in the town.

The attack occurred around 10 a.m. as Samama was addressing attendees at the event. Authorities are investigating the incident and no suspects have been identified as of press time.

The Bangsamoro government strongly condemned the “senseless and cowardly” attack, with Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Al-Haj, calling for swift justice.

“This brazen act of violence has no place in a peaceful and just Bangsamoro, and we are demanding that the authorities take swift action to ensure the perpetrators face the full force of the law,” Ebrahim said.

“This act of violence against a public servant is an attack on peace, democracy, and the rule of law in the Bangsamoro,” he added.

Ministry of Interior and Local Government Minister Sha Elijah B. Dumama-Alba echoed the call for accountability, saying the safety of local officials and communities remains a top priority.

“We urge everyone to remain vigilant and work together to uphold peace, security, and the rule of law in our communities,” she said.