DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte — August 15, 2026 — The convoy of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua was reportedly fired upon at around 4:45 p.m. Saturday while he was traveling back to Cotabato City from Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte.
Initial reports placed the incident in the vicinity of Barangay Dulangan, also referred to in some reports as Barangay Bitu, in Datu Odin Sinsuat. The conflicting references to the exact location have yet to be clarified by authorities. Macacua and the members of his convoy were reported safe following the incident. A security personnel close to the Chief Minister also reportedly confirmed that Macacua was not harmed.
At least two vehicles identified as part of the convoy—a Toyota Land Cruiser and a Toyota Fortuner—were brought to the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City after the incident and were seen bearing apparent bullet impacts. Other initial reports said that as many as three vehicles were hit, although this detail has yet to be independently confirmed.
The convoy was traveling from Kabuntalan after Macacua attended a general assembly of the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP) in Barangay Gambar, his home barangay. During the gathering, Macacua formally took his oath as president and chairman of the BFP before outgoing party president and Member of Parliament Tomanda Antok.
The assembly drew party leaders, members and supporters, including Minister Akmad Brahim. The event marked Macacua’s formal political affiliation with the BFP and his assumption of a key leadership position in the party as it strengthens its organization and political presence across the Bangsamoro region.
Authorities have yet to publicly establish who fired at the convoy, the number of armed individuals involved, the type of firearms used, or the motive behind the incident. No individual or group has been identified as responsible, and no motive should be presumed while the investigation remains ongoing.
Datu Odin Sinsuat Mayor Abdulmain “Baba” P. Abas strongly condemned the incident, saying violence has no place in the municipality and calling on the local police to conduct a thorough, impartial and expeditious investigation.
Abas also appealed to residents to remain calm and vigilant and said the municipal government would coordinate with the police, military, barangay officials and other concerned agencies to strengthen security in the area.
Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Dela Cruz Matabalao likewise condemned the attack and called for an immediate, impartial and transparent investigation. He urged the public to avoid speculation and unfounded accusations until authorities establish the facts.
“We call for the truth. We call for accountability. We call for justice,” Matabalao said in his statement, while also appealing to the public to protect the peace in the Bangsamoro.
Comes amid MILF disciplinary action and new BFP leadership
The reported attack came amid significant political and organizational developments involving Macacua. Earlier on Saturday, hours before the incident, he formally joined the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP) and was sworn in as its new president and chairman during a general assembly in Barangay Gambar, Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte. The ceremony was witnessed by BFP leaders, members and supporters, including Minister Akmad Brahim, who spoke of his long-standing relationship and shared experiences with Macacua and expressed support for their continued work in the Bangsamoro.
Macacua’s assumption of the BFP presidency places him in a prominent political role as the party strengthens its organization and prepares for the region’s political activities. His oath-taking followed a gathering attended by thousands of supporters and came on the same day as the reported shooting involving his convoy while he was traveling back to Cotabato City. However, there is currently no verified information linking his new political position to the attack.
The incident also occurred against the backdrop of a separate organizational action by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). According to MILF Central Committee Resolution No. 1, Series of 2026, approved on June 3, Macacua was indefinitely suspended from his position as Chief of Staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF)-MILF. The resolution cited alleged violations of directives issued by the MILF Central Committee and what it described as a serious breach of command and organizational discipline. The order also directed MILF structures and field commands not to recognize acts or representations made by Macacua in the name of the BIAF-MILF.
The MILF disciplinary action concerns Macacua’s organizational position within the BIAF-MILF and does not, by itself, constitute his removal as BARMM Chief Minister. The circumstances surrounding the reported shooting remain under investigation, and authorities have yet to identify those responsible or establish a motive. Given the sensitive political and security context, any possible connection between the shooting, Macacua’s new BFP leadership and the MILF disciplinary action should not be presumed unless established by competent authorities.
As of this report, authorities were continuing to verify the circumstances of the shooting, including the exact location, the sequence of events, the number of vehicles hit and the identity of those responsible.
The safety of Macacua and his companions has been reported, but the investigation remains active. Officials are urging the public to remain calm, cooperate with authorities and refrain from spreading unverified information that could further heighten tensions.
Further details are expected as police and other security authorities complete their investigation and issue official statements.