The assassination attempt occurred on the morning of 25/1, targeting Akmad Ampatuan, mayor of Shariff Aguak town in Maguindanao del Sur province, southern Philippines. Mayor Ampatuan was uninjured in the attack, though two of his accompanying staff members were wounded.
Video from the scene shows suspects emerging from a parked car. One suspect fired an anti-tank rocket launcher RPG-2, also known as a B-40, at Mayor Ampatuan's armored SUV as it slowed to turn into an alley. The other suspect, armed with an automatic rifle, also appeared to fire several shots. Local police reported that the RPG-2 warhead detonated beneath the armored SUV, and a second pickup truck in the convoy sustained shrapnel damage.
The moment a suspect fired an anti-tank rocket at Mayor Ampatuan's vehicle on 25/1. Video: X/WarNoir
Three suspects involved in the ambush were killed during a subsequent pursuit operation by police and military forces. Security forces recovered several heavy weapons from the suspects' vehicle.
In a press conference this morning, Mayor Ampatuan stated this was the 4th assassination attempt against him; however, investigators have not identified any individual or organization behind it. The first incident occurred in 2010 in Guindulungan town, with subsequent attempts in Shariff Aguak town in 2014 and 2019. Despite the repeated attacks, Mayor Ampatuan asserted that he "does not have enemies who would carry out such attacks". He also expressed willingness to assist the families of the three suspects killed during the pursuit, stating, "If their parents need support, I will help."
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The armored vehicle carrying Mayor Ampatuan sustained minor damage after the ambush. Photo: Shariff Aguak Mayor's Office
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating the possibility that the suspects were hired professional assassins. PNP spokesperson Randulf Tuano stated that police have initially identified four suspects.
The ringleader, nicknamed "Raprap", was the one who directly fired the anti-tank rocket launcher at Mayor Ampatuan's vehicle. "Raprap" previously faced three arrest warrants related to accusations of murder, organized robbery, and violating the Philippine Election Commission's gun ban. The three remaining suspects were relatives of "Raprap"; two were killed in the pursuit, while one escaped.
By Thanh Danh (According to PNA, Inquirer, Xinhua)
