Mayor Akmad Ampatuan Survives Fourth Assassination Attempt in RPG Ambush
Shariff Aguak Mayor Akmad Mitra Ampatuan narrowly escaped injury in a brazen rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack on Sunday morning, January 25, 2026, marking the fourth known assassination attempt against him. The ambush occurred in Barangay Poblacion, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, as the mayor was traveling home in a black armored vehicle.
Details of the Attack and Immediate Aftermath
According to police reports and CCTV footage, the mayor's convoy was struck by what is believed to be an RPG-7 fired from a gray minivan. The explosive impact was captured on surveillance cameras, showing the vehicle immediately fleeing the scene after the assault. Two members of Mayor Ampatuan's security detail sustained wounds to the left side of the abdomen but received prompt medical attention and are now in stable condition.
Police Captain Steffi Salungit, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), confirmed that the mayor survived unharmed thanks to his armored, bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser, which absorbed the blast's force. A hot pursuit operation following the attack resulted in the deaths of three suspected assailants, though their identities remain under verification as part of the ongoing investigation.
Bangsamoro Government's Response and Investigation
In response to the incident, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government has ordered a swift and impartial investigation. Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua condemned the attack in an official statement released on Monday, January 26, directing authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible without delay.
"I have directed the appropriate authorities to undertake a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation to fully establish the facts and ensure that those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law," Macacua stated. He also appealed for public restraint, emphasizing the importance of allowing institutions to perform their duties with wisdom and responsibility.
The chief minister extended sympathy to Mayor Ampatuan and Shariff Aguak residents, reiterating the Bangsamoro government's commitment to peace, public safety, and moral governance. Following the ambush, police units across Maguindanao del Sur were placed on heightened alert to prevent potential retaliatory or follow-up attacks.
Historical Context and Security Challenges
This latest ambush underscores persistent security challenges in Shariff Aguak, a municipality widely regarded as a political hotspot in Maguindanao del Sur. Mayor Ampatuan has survived several previous assassination attempts:
- In 2014
- In December 2019, while serving as vice mayor
- In August 2023, when he sustained injuries and his bodyguard was killed
The area's security landscape is shaped by clan-based politics, intense rivalries, and a history of election-related violence. Authorities have repeatedly linked threats in the region to the presence of armed groups and the proliferation of loose firearms, highlighting ongoing concerns about stability in one of BARMM's most sensitive areas.
