(Philippines, 26th) A convoy carrying the mayor of Shariff Aguak City in Maguindanao del Sur province, southern Mindanao, was ambushed, and three gunmen were shot dead by police and soldiers.
According to reports from the Philippine Star and Xinhua News Agency, the convoy of Shariff Aguak Mayor Akmad Ampatuan and his entourage was ambushed on Sunday (January 25th). The gunmen used a B40 anti-tank rocket launcher and rifles to carry out the attack, then fled the scene in a gray minivan.
Two of Ampatuan’s bodyguards were injured in the attack and were immediately taken by first responders to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Local officials and provincial police told reporters that during the pursuit, community volunteers, police, and soldiers surrounded the suspects in a village under a municipal township. The suspects refused to surrender and opened fire, sparking a gunfight. In the end, three suspects were killed, and high-powered firearms were confiscated from the vehicle.
Local officials and provincial police told reporters that during the pursuit, community volunteers, police, and soldiers surrounded the suspects in a village under a municipal township. The suspects refused to surrender and opened fire, sparking a gunfight. In the end, three suspects were killed, and high-powered firearms were confiscated from the vehicle.
It is reported that the attackers’ target was Mayor Ampatuan himself, and not the passengers in the following vehicles. Police are currently conducting an in-depth investigation to determine the suspects’ motive.
Reports state that Ampatuan had also survived a similar attack and was injured over a decade ago.
Reports state that Ampatuan had also survived a similar attack and was injured over a decade ago.