An attack using a rocket-propelled grenade targeted Shariff Aguak Mayor Akmad Ampatuan on Sunday morning, Jan. 25, in Poblacion, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, authorities said.
The ambush was captured on closed-circuit television footage mounted near the scene. The video showed several men riding in a minivan before one of them stepped out carrying an RPG. The suspect allegedly fired at the vehicle carrying the mayor, officials reported.
Mayor Ampatuan survived the assault, but two of his escorts were wounded during the attack.
In an update aired by Brigada Cotabato, authorities said three suspects riding in the minivan were killed in a follow-up operation after they attempted to flee the area.
Anwar Kuit Emblawa, the executive assistant of Mayor Ampatuan, said in an interview that the mayor was safe following the incident. He added that the two injured escorts sustained wounds that were not considered life-threatening.
The attack marked another attempt on the mayor’s life. Reports indicated that within the past five years, Mayor Ampatuan has survived two separate assassination attempts.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the suspects or further details on the motive behind the ambush. Investigators continue to review evidence, including the CCTV footage, as part of the ongoing probe.
Local officials have not announced whether additional suspects may be involved or if further security measures will be implemented in the area.
