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Philippine Mayor Survives RPG Ambush, Suspects Killed
Mayor Akmad Ampatuan survived a rocket-propelled grenade ambush that injured two escorts and killed three attackers; motives include political tensions and clan disputes.
- On Sunday, January 25, 2026, Mayor Akmad Ampatuan survived a daytime ambush when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his Armored Toyota Land Cruiser in Barangay Poblacion, Shariff Aguak, with CCTV footage capturing assailants firing from a minivan.
- Gen. Randulf Tua'o and Philippine National Police investigators said they are examining whether political disputes, hired killers, or revenge motivated the attack and identified Budtong 'Rap-Rap' Alim Pendatun with outstanding warrants.
- A joint police and Philippine Army 90th Infantry Battalion hot pursuit cornered suspects in Barangay Meta, killing three attackers and recovering a B40 RPG launcher and high-powered rifles.
- Ampatuan was unharmed while two escorts, Private 1st Class Manuel Arcega Dondiego and Lakman Eso, received abdominal wounds and were treated at Bangsamoro Regional Hospital, and officials formed a Special Investigation Task Group probing police lapses with the municipal police chief facing relief.
- This attack adds to a string of attempts against Ampatuan, who is a grandson of the late Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr. and has survived at least four assassination attempts since 2014 after testifying against his clan following the 2009 Maguindanao massacre that killed 58 people.
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Video shows Philippines mayor narrowly escaping assassination attempt
A mayor miraculously survived an RPG attack in a dramatic shootout that left four people dead in the Philippines. Mayor Akmad Mitra Ampatuan, 53, narrowly escaped as alleged assassins ambushed his bulletproof SUV in Maguindanao del Sur province on Sunday (25 January). Police said the politician was unharmed, while two of his guards were wounded and required hospital treatment. Officers pursued the gunmen along the national highway, where all fou…
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In the Philippines, the mayor of the city of Shariff Aguak escaped an assassination attempt. His car was attacked by a commando armed with a rocket launcher. Two people were slightly injured. (International).
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Total News Sources59
Leaning Left11Leaning Right7Center13Last UpdatedBias Distribution42% Center
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources are Center
42% Center
L 35%
C 42%
R 23%
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