Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman George Erwin Garcia on Saturday evening directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to investigate the ambush of the convoy of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, who escaped the attack.

“With the recent development in the BARMM, the ambush of ICM Macacua’s convoy, we are directing the PNP and the AFP to determine the perpetrators and bring them to justice immediately,” Garcia said.

He added: “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 unturned to ensure that the people’s trust and confidence remain.

However, respect for constitutional rights is paramount to ensure the rule of law.”The report showed that gunmen on Saturday fired at the convoy of Macacua, who was heading to Cotabato City from Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte, where he attended an event of the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP).

Macacua’s aide said the chief minister is safe and unharmed. The report said the ambush occurred around 4:45 p.m. along the national highway in Barangay Bitu, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

The convoy continued until it reached the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City, Macacua’s aide said.

The armored vehicle of Macacua was hit by several bullets, including one on the driver’s side, while the two other armored vehicles in the convoy were also hit.

Police said that hours earlier, the guests who attended the BFP general assembly in Barangay Gambar, Kabuntalan had to wait for several hours while bomb experts were checking on suspected improvised bombs along the roadside in Barangay Payan.