SHARIFF Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur mayor Akmad Ampatuan survived the fourth attempt on his life after a rocket-propelled grenade was launched on his vehicle on the morning of Sunday, January 25.

PRO Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BAR) spokesperson Police Captain Steffi Salungit said that the vehicle Ampatuan was riding at the time was armored and bulletproof.

The mayor was unharmed. However, two of his security personnel, as well as a civilian, were wounded and were immediately given medical attention. They are now in stable condition.

In a CCTV footage obtained by authorities, the suspects were seen alighting a white minivan before aiming and firing a grenade launcher to Ampatuan’s vehicle. This happened in broad daylight at 6:20AM on Sunday in Barangay Poblacion.

According to police, the mayor was coming home from a mosque. 

Ampatuan’s staff declined to comment whether the attack was politically-driven.

Hours after the failed ambush attempt, the police had an armed ecnounter with the suspects in Barangay Meta, Datu Unsay. Killed in the shootout were Budtong “Rap-Rap” Alim Pendatun, Tekz Malid Pendatun, and Puasa Oting Madid.

The police said they recovered a rocket launcher and high-powered firearms.

In a press conference on Monday, January 26, Ampatuan said that the assassination attempt happened just after his security detail was removed.

“Kung may escort lang ako mga tatlo, dalawa, wala akong natanggap na ambush-in ako. Bigla lang naalis ‘yong escort ko, doon na nagpasok lahat ng threat sa akin,” Ampatuan said.

4th assassination attempt

Prior to this incident, Ampatuan’s life was put in danger in 2010, 2014, and 2019. He was injured in the 2014 and 2019 attacks but members of his security escort were killed.

A member of the Ampatuan clan, the mayor deviated from them after the 2009 Maguindanao massacre where 58 people, including 32 journalists were ambished and killed. Ampatuan even testified against his family.