Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, PHILIPPINES – In a dramatic incident early Sunday morning, Mayor Akmad “Mitra” Ampatuan survived a violent ambush when unknown assailants attacked his convoy using a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). This attack, which also left two of his security personnel wounded, has put the spotlight on ongoing security concerns in Mindanao.
Details of the Attack
The incident took place around 6:20 a.m. on January 25 in Barangay Mother Poblacion. According to police reports and CCTV footage, the mayor’s convoy was intercepted by a white minivan. Armed men reportedly jumped out and fired an RPG directly at Mayor Ampatuan’s black SUV, followed by gunfire.
The armored SUV absorbed the impact of the blast, protecting the mayor and helping him avoid serious injury. The explosion and ensuing gunshots caused panic but the quick action of the mayor’s team ensured his safety. Two members of the security detail were injured and were brought to a local hospital for treatment, where they are said to be in stable condition.
Immediately after the ambush, combined police and military forces launched a manhunt for the suspects. Law enforcement later caught up with the alleged attackers in Datu Unsay. In the follow-up operation, three suspects were killed, and authorities recovered firearms and the suspected getaway vehicle.
Background and Motive
This ambush is the latest in a series of attacks targeting Mayor Ampatuan. He has previously survived assassination attempts in 2010, 2014, and 2019. The repeated threats against his life underscore persistent issues of political rivalry and violence in the region.
Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind this most recent incident. Investigations are ongoing, with police examining possible political or personal motives while maintaining heightened security in the area.