Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on Monday condemned the shootings and explosions in this city that forced the Commission on Elections to place the city under its control.

“This is deeply alarming. We strongly condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, and the use of firearms that threaten the safety of our people and the right of every Bangsamoro to vote freely and peacefully,” Macacua said in a statement.

Macacua has just voted at Gambar Elementary School in Barangay Gambar, Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte at 7:45 a.m. Monday, when he issued the statement of condemnation.

Separate shootings in the city left three men dead and about 20 others injured in Barangay Bagua 2 on Sunday night and at the Cotabato City Central Pilot Elementary School (CCCPES) on Monday morning.

Gunmen entered the CCCPES at 6:45 a.m. and fired at voters lining up to vote. They also traded shots with police officers.

Three persons were hurt in the incident, including a police officer.

“I have directed our security and emergency-response agencies to take immediate action to protect communities, assist victims, and investigate every incident,” he said, adding that those responsible must be held accountable under the law. (PNA)