Shariff Aguak Mayor Ambush once again placed Maguindanao del Sur under heightened security alert after Mayor Akmad Mitra Ampatuan survived his third assassination attempt early Sunday morning, underscoring persistent safety concerns for local officials in the province.

Shariff Aguak Mayor Akmad Mitra Ampatuan escaped unharmed after his convoy was ambushed at around 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 25, along a stretch of road in Barangay Oblation, Sheriff Guam, according to his executive assistant Anwar Suit Emblem.

Emblawa said the mayor was inside a black Toyota Land Cruiser when unidentified gunmen opened fire on the two-vehicle convoy. The mayor’s backup vehicle, a Toyota pick-up, was also struck multiple times by bullets, sustaining visible damage from the attack.

“Mayor Ampatuan is safe and did not suffer any injuries,” Emblawa said in an interview. “However, two of his security escorts sustained minor injuries and were immediately given medical attention.”

This incident marks the third ambush that Mayor Ampatuan has survived, raising renewed concerns over the safety of elected officials in Mindanao del SUR, particularly in areas with a history of politically motivated violence.

Four Suspects Killed in Hot Pursuit Operation.

Police authorities swiftly responded to the ambush, launching a hot pursuit operation that led to a firefight along the national highway in Shariff Aguak. According to Emblawa, four suspects were killed during the encounter.

Initial police reports identified the suspects as occupants of a white Suzuki minivan with plate number KAO-9462, which was allegedly used to carry out the attack on the mayor’s convoy. Law enforcement officers recovered high-powered firearms from the suspects’ vehicle, further strengthening the case that the attack was premeditated.

Police have yet to release the identities of the slain suspects as investigations continue to determine possible motives, backers, and whether the ambush was politically driven or connected to other criminal activities.

Security Concerns Persist

residents expressed alarm over the brazen attack, which occurred in a populated area during daylight hours. Barangay officials said the sound of gunfire caused panic among residents, many of whom sought shelter inside their homes.

Security analysts note that repeated attempts on the mayor’s life point to deeper security issues in parts of Mindanao del SUR, despite progress in normalization efforts following the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMY).

Authorities have since increased police visibility in Shariff Aguak and nearby towns, setting up additional checkpoints and conducting intelligence operations to prevent possible retaliatory attacks or similar incidents.

Mayor Vows to Continue Public Service

Despite the repeated threats to his life, Mayor Alsatian remains resolute. Through his aides, he assured constituents that he will continue fulfilling his duties and supporting peace and development initiatives in the municipality.

“This incident will not stop the mayor from serving the people of Shariff Aguak,” Emblawa said. “He trusts the authorities to bring those responsible to justice.”

Police officials urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement as the investigation progresses. Further updates are expected once authorities complete forensic examinations and intelligence validation related to the ambush.