Philippines Mayor Survives Dramatic RPG and Machine Gun Assassination Attempt
In a remarkable escape, a mayor in the Philippines has survived a brazen assassination attempt where assailants targeted his vehicle with a rocket-propelled grenade and a machine gun. This incident marks the third known attempt on the life of Mayor Akmad Mitra Ampatuan, highlighting ongoing political tensions and security concerns in the region.
Dramatic CCTV Footage Captures Attack
Shocking CCTV footage from the Shariff Aguak municipality in Maguindanao del Sur province shows the moment of the attack. The video depicts Mayor Ampatuan's black car moving slowly along a road when two assassins swiftly exit a white car on the opposite side. One attacker was armed with an RPG on his shoulder, while the other carried a machine gun, launching a sudden assault that produced a loud explosion.
Flames briefly engulfed the mayor's vehicle before it sped away from the scene. The shockwaves from the RPG firing were so intense that the security camera shook violently, underscoring the force of the blast. Despite the ferocity of the attack, Mayor Ampatuan emerged uninjured, though two of his security guards sustained wounds.
Vehicle's Bulletproof Features Prove Crucial
The mayor's car, equipped with bulletproof features, largely withstood the explosion, demonstrating the importance of such security measures in high-risk areas. Post-attack images reveal partial damage to the vehicle's rear bumper and side, but the structural integrity helped protect the occupants. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by public officials in certain parts of the Philippines.
Police Response and Investigation
Following the attack, police and army personnel were promptly alerted. In a subsequent shootout, three out of four suspects were killed, according to the Philippine News Agency. Authorities are investigating the possibility of a contract killing, with motives remaining unclear as the probe continues.
In a press conference, Mayor Ampatuan expressed shock at the scale of the attack, stating, 'I didn’t expect them to use such large firearms. An RPG is not a weapon an ordinary person would use. This was a professional crime.' He added that while he has suspicions about who might want him dead, he cannot confirm the attackers' identities or motives.
History of Previous Attempts
This latest incident, which occurred at 6:30 am local time on January 25 near the intersection of the national highway and the route to the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Police Office headquarters, is not the first threat to Mayor Ampatuan's life. He revealed that the initial attack happened in 2010 in Guindulungan town, with a subsequent attempt in Shariff Aguak in 2019. His backup vehicle, a pickup truck, was also struck by bullets during the recent assault.
Mayor Ampatuan's executive assistant, Anwar Kuit Emblawa, confirmed to reporters that 'the mayor is safe,' providing some reassurance amid the turmoil.
Broader Political Context in the Philippines
This assassination attempt occurs against a backdrop of political instability in the Philippines. In January last year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr removed his vice-president, Sara Duterte, from the national security council after she allegedly plotted to kill him. Duterte, in a profanity-laden briefing in November 2024, claimed she had instructed an assassin to target Marcos, his wife, and the House Speaker if she were killed, though she later said her comments were misinterpreted.
Marcos stated that reorganising the NSC was necessary to 'ensure that its council members uphold and protect national security and sovereignty.' Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, was impeached in February last year over accusations of misusing public funds and threatening Marcos, but the Supreme Court struck down the impeachment complaint in July, ruling it unconstitutional. While not absolving her of charges, this ruling could bolster her political ambitions, as she is seen as a strong contender for the 2028 presidency, which Marcos cannot contest due to term limits.
The survival of Mayor Ampatuan in this latest attack underscores the volatile security environment and the resilience required by officials in the Philippines, with investigations ongoing to uncover the full story behind this violent episode.
