16/08/2026
OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF CONDEMNATION
ON THE AMBUSH OF CHIEF MINISTER ABDULRAOF MACACUA
With profound concern and a heavy heart, I strongly condemn the ambush against BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua. My thoughts and prayers are with the Chief Minister, his family, those affected by this violent incident and the entire Bangsamoro people who once again find themselves confronted by an act that threatens the peace we have worked so hard to build.
No political difference, personal grievance, or competing interest can ever justify violence. An attack such as this does not wound only its intended victim. It creates fear among families, reopens painful memories of conflict and shakes the sense of security of ordinary people who simply want to live, work, raise their children and dream of a better future in peace.
The Bangsamoro people have already paid a painful price for decades of conflict. Too many families have experienced loss. Too many communities have known displacement, uncertainty and fear. After everything our people have endured, we cannot allow violence to become the language through which differences are settled.
I stand in sympathy and solidarity with my fellow Bangsamoro who have struggled for generation to build peace and stability in our homeland. I likewise stand with every Bangsamoro mother who worries for her children, every father who hopes to provide for his family in a safe community and every young Bangsamoro who deserves to inherit a homeland defined not by gunfire and fear, but by peace, dignity, justice and opportunity.
I call upon the proper authorities to conduct a swift, thorough, impartial and transparent investigation and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law. At the same time, I appeal to everyone to remain calm and responsible. Let us not allow anger, speculation or retaliation to create another cycle of violence.
Peace in the Bangsamoro was not given to us easily. It was built from the sacrifices, tears, prayers and hopes of generations. We must never allow the bullets of a few to destroy the dreams of millions.
This is a moment for us to stand together not divided by politics, clan, tribe, religion or personal interests, but united as one people who believe that the future of the Bangsamoro must be decided through dialogue, justice and democratic institutions, never through violence.
May Allah (SWT) continue to protect the Bangsamoro, guide our leaders and grant lasting peace, justice and security to our homeland.
We condemn violence. We stand for justice. We stand with the victims. And above all, we stand with the BANGSAMORO People.
Our people have suffered enough. Let peace prevail.
In solidarity for peace, justice and a stronger Bangsamoro,
DATU SAJID ANDRE S. AMPATUAN
Mayor
Municipality of Shariff Saydona Mustapha
Province of Maguindanao Del Sur, BARMM