Shariff Aguak Mayor Survives Third Ambush; Suspected Gunmen Killed in Pursuit

Mayor Akmad Mitra Ampatuan of Shariff Aguak survived an ambush on Sunday morning, January 25, marking the third attempt on his life, while two of his security escorts were wounded in the attack, authorities and local officials said.

The ambush occurred at around 6:30 a.m. along a road in Barangay Poblacion, Shariff Aguak, as Ampatuan was traveling in a black Toyota Land Cruiser as part of a two-vehicle convoy.

The mayor was not injured, according to his executive assistant, Anwar Kuit Emblawa.

Emblawa said the convoy, which included a backup Toyota pickup truck, came under fire, damaging both vehicles. Two of the mayor’s security personnel sustained slight injuries during the incident.

Police and military personnel immediately launched a pursuit operation after the assailants fled the scene aboard a minivan.

Authorities later confirmed that the suspects were intercepted in Barangay Meta, Datu Unsay, a neighboring town in Maguindanao del Sur.

Senior police officials and local executives said the suspects resisted arrest and opened fire, triggering a brief firefight involving pursuing police officers, soldiers, and volunteer community watchmen.

Three of the suspected gunmen were killed during the clash after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.

The fatalities were identified by local officials as Budtong Alim Pendatun, Tekz Malid Pendatun, and Puasa Oting Madid. Police said the suspects were armed with high-powered firearms, which were recovered from their vehicle following the encounter.

Earlier reports from security officials stated that the ambushers used a B40 anti-tank rocket and rifles during the initial attack on the mayor’s convoy.

The wounded escorts were identified as Private First Class Manuel Arcega Dondiego of the Philippine Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion and Lakman Eso Tips, an ethnic Maguindanaon.

Both were rushed to the Bangsamoro Regional Hospital, located less than a kilometer from the town center, where they received medical treatment.

Local executives and members of the Shariff Aguak Municipal Peace and Order Council said the mayor was the intended target of the ambush, not the occupants of other vehicles traveling nearby at the time of the incident.

Authorities confirmed that this was the third ambush attempt against Ampatuan. More than a decade ago, he was wounded in a similar attack along the Cotabato-Isulan Highway while traveling from Shariff Aguak to Cotabato City.

Security forces have since increased patrols in Shariff Aguak and surrounding municipalities as part of heightened security measures.

An investigation is ongoing to determine the motive behind the latest ambush and to identify any possible accomplices of the slain suspects.

Police said coordination between local government units, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders remains in place to prevent further violence and ensure public safety in the area.