Malacañang called for calm and sobriety on Sunday following an ambush on the convoy of Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered law enforcement agencies to swiftly investigate the attack.

Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo Jr. said the administration's priority is ensuring the incident does not undermine regional stability or the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao's (BARMM) transition to democratic governance.

The appeal followed an incident Saturday afternoon when armed individuals opened fire on Macacua's convoy along the national highway in Barangay Bitu.

Three vehicles, including a bulletproof transport carrying the interim chief minister, sustained rifle fire. Macacua, his companions, and his security detail escaped unhurt.

Lagdameo stressed the importance of restraint while authorities work to determine the motive and identify the perpetrators.

Army intelligence units are assisting the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station with the probe. Officials have cautioned against premature conclusions.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) also directed the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to bring those responsible to justice while emphasizing the need to preserve order.

The security incident comes as the region prepares for its upcoming regional parliamentary elections.

Lagdameo urged community leaders and residents to allow investigators to complete their work without speculation, reiterating that the national government remains committed to supporting BARMM officials and protecting the peace process through lawful means.