The Philippine National Police (PNP) is looking into the possibility that a gun-for-hire group was behind the ambush targeting Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur Mayor Datu Akmad Mitra Ampatuan.

PNP spokesperson PBGEN Randulf T. Tuaño said the attack marked the fourth attempt on the mayor’s life, prompting authorities to closely examine the background of the suspects involved. While the motive remains under investigation, Tuaño said one of the slain suspects was previously wanted for murder, robbery, and violations of the election gun ban—indications that he was part of a hired gun group.

The suspect, identified by the alias “Rap Rap,” was seen on CCTV footage firing a single rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) at Ampatuan’s convoy during the ambush. Two other suspects killed during the PNP and the Philippine Army’s hot pursuit operation were reportedly relatives of Rap Rap.

Tuaño added that the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro is assessing the performance of the local police chief, a police major, to determine whether there were security lapses that may have contributed to the attack.

Meanwhile, a Special Investigation Task Group is also tracing the source of the firearms used in the ambush as part of the continuing probe.