President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has condemned the ambush on the mayor of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro said on Monday.

In a press briefing, Castro said the President immediately ordered the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

Following the President’s directive, Castro noted that the DILG and the PNP acted swiftly, with the Police Regional Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) responding promptly to the situation.

Castro said authorities are actively coordinating to determine those responsible for the attempted ambush against Mayor Akmad Mitra Ampatuan.

The Police Regional Office BARMM is closely working with investigators to identify the perpetrators and ensure accountability.

Castro assured the public that the DILG and the Marcos administration will continue to strengthen peace and order efforts in the region to prevent similar incidents.

She also urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activities in their communities to authorities so that appropriate protection measures can be provided.

“Sa ating mga kababayan diyan, kung meron po kayong nakikitang kakaibang aksyon, kahina-hinala, ipagbigay alam lamang po kaagad sa mga otoridad para po mas mabigyan pa po kayo ng karampatang proteksyon,” Castro said.