A chilling scene unfolded in broad daylight in the southern Philippines as a rocket-propelled grenade slammed into a mayoral convoy. Mayor Akmad Ampatuan narrowly escaped the brazen attack, protected by the armor of his vehicle, in Maguindanao del Sur province on Sunday morning.
The attack, occurring around 6:30 a.m., was captured on video, revealing a calculated assault. Two figures emerged from a white van – one wielding what appeared to be an RPG launcher, the other armed with a handgun. Their movements were swift and deliberate, suggesting a carefully planned operation.
The video shows the launcher being aimed down the street, followed by the deafening blast as the RPG was fired. A black SUV, turning onto the road at the precise moment, bore the brunt of the explosion, the impact sending debris flying.
Adding to the chaos, the mayor’s accompanying pickup truck was also targeted with gunfire during the ambush. The attack underscored the vulnerability even of high-ranking officials in the region, despite security measures.
A swift response from police and military forces led to a pursuit, culminating in the deaths of three suspected attackers. The operation demonstrated a determined effort to neutralize the immediate threat and bring those responsible to justice.
While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, the incident is not isolated. This marks the third time Mayor Ampatuan has been the target of an assassination attempt in the last five years, raising serious questions about ongoing threats to his life.
Despite the violence, the mayor’s executive assistant, Anwar Kuit Emblawa, confirmed that he was unharmed. Two members of Ampatuan’s security team sustained injuries, but thankfully, their wounds were not considered life-threatening.
The attack serves as a stark reminder of the security challenges faced in the region and the lengths to which some will go to disrupt peace and stability. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full scope of the plot and identify all those involved.
