COTABATO CITY – Local officials of Maguindanao Del Sur, alongside various community groups, successfully held the Unity Against Political Violence peace rally at Cotabato City Plaza on Monday, December 16, 2024. The event aimed to condemn recent violence in the province and call on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to address the rising political harassment and insecurity.
Among those who led and participated in the rally were Former Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Member Datu Antao Midtimbang Sr., Former Congressman Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, Rajah Buayan Mayor Bai Maruja Ampatuan Mastura, and mayors from the municipalities of Pandag, Mangudadatu, Guindulungan, Datu Salibo, Datu Piang, Talayan, and Paglat.
The officials urged residents to uphold peace and humanity amid political tensions, particularly with the upcoming elections. In their speeches, they decried violence that has recently escalated in the province, highlighting a tragic ambush that killed three individuals in Rajah Buayan, including a mother and her three-month-old child.
Recent Incident Fuels Outcry for Justice
The most recent incident occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, December 12, 2024, in Barangay Mileb, Rajah Buayan. Gunmen opened fire on a vehicle, killing the wife and infant child of Private First Class (PFC) Michael Basalo, a soldier under the 34th Infantry Battalion, 11th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, and one of the security escorts of Mayor Mastura. The victims’ bodies were recovered from the van, with Basalo’s father-in-law being the only survivor of the attack.
During the rally, PFC Basalo tearfully appealed to President Marcos for justice for his slain wife and child. “As a soldier, I could not do anything to protect my family, and it deeply pains me,” he said as he clutched his late child’s belongings. Basalo’s plea resonated with the crowd and added urgency to the officials’ demands for the government to intervene.
Mayor Bai Maruja Ampatuan Mastura emphasized the need for swift action, calling on the President to address the worsening political violence and harassment in Maguindanao Del Sur. “We seek justice for the innocent lives lost. This is not just a political issue; it is a humanitarian crisis that must be resolved immediately,” Mastura said.
Ongoing Investigation
The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. As of this report, no suspects have been named.
The rally’s participants made a collective call for peace and justice, vowing to stand together to prevent further violence. Guindulungan Mayor Datu Midpantao Midtimbang Jr. reiterated that the event sought to shed light on the current situation in the province, which has been marred by fear, harassment, and violence.
“We call on President Marcos and the national government to intervene and restore peace and order in Maguindanao Del Sur. Political violence must end, and justice must prevail,” said Midtimbang.
The peace rally concluded with a resounding plea for unity and vigilance, as officials and participants committed to pushing for a peaceful and fair election season in the region.