Attacks vs BARMM officials condemned

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) denounced the recent attacks against Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) officials, specifically an assault on the Bangsamoro CHR commissioner and a bombing of the health minister’s office.

In a statement on Tuesday, the agency said its region 12 bureau had initiated a Motu Proprio investigation into the incidents.

On Oct. 10, armed assailants attacked the residence of Bangsamoro Human Rights Commissioner Archie U. Buaya in Maguindanao del Norte as captured in security footage. The attack cost the life of Mr. Buaya’s security aid.

In a separate incident on Oct. 12, an unknown perpetrator planted a grenade at the office of Bangsamoro Health Minister Kadil M. Sinolinding, Jr. in Cotabato City, causing damage. It did not result in any casualties or injuries.

“Holding these perpetrators accountable is essential to ensuring that communities feel secure and protected within their own spaces,” CHR said. “This issue becomes even more alarming as it threatens to undermine the ongoing efforts to foster a culture of peace in the BARMM Region, especially with their upcoming polls in 2025.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana