Meanwhile, two of the mayor’s escorts, who were in a backup vehicle, were injured after returning fire at the suspects, who managed to escape.
The two escorts were immediately brought to the hospital for treatment.
Shariff Aguak Mayor survives ambush; 3 suspected assailants killed
Province
Shariff Aguak Mayor survives ambush; 3 suspected assailants killed
by Elijah Gaven Mitra25 January 2026
Photo from Shariff Aguak/Facebook
Shariff Aguak Mayor Datu Akmad Mitra Ampatuan survived an ambush early Sunday morning, January 25, 2026, in Maguindanao del Sur, officials confirmed.
According to a report by Jun Dimacutac, the attack occurred while the mayor was returning home from the town market in a black, bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser.
According to Shariff Aguak Municipal Executive Secretary and Information Officer Datu Anwar Emblawa, the assailants fired a single RPG round at the vehicle. The projectile struck the side of the car and exploded, but Mayor Ampatuan remained unharmed.
Authorities, with the assistance of witnesses, traced the fleeing assailants in a minivan to a neighboring town in Datu Unsay, Maguindanao del Sur. Three of the suspected attackers were killed during the ensuing hot pursuit operation.
Emblawa added that Mayor Ampatuan has long been receiving threats from armed groups in the area, underscoring the persistent security risks faced by local officials in the region.
A press conference with the mayor is scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Shariff Aguak municipal hall, where he is expected to discuss the ambush and measures to strengthen local security.
(This article was updated and corrected.)
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