Prominent Filipino mayor target of horrifying RPG assault

SHARIFF AGUAK, Philippines — A mayor in the southern Philippines survived an assassination attempt Sunday when a rocket-propelled grenade was fired at his armored vehicle, authorities said.

Shariff Aguak Mayor Akmad Mitra Ampatuan was unhurt when gunmen fired the weapon at his black SUV at about 6:20 a.m. in Barangay Poblacion, Philippine National Police officials said. Two members of his security detail were injured in the attack.

CCTV footage released by local authorities shows a white van stop near the mayor’s convoy before two men disembark and open fire. One suspect launched the rocket directly at the vehicle, striking its side, while the other fired a high-powered rifle. The armored SUV sped away from the scene.

A joint police-military operation later killed three of the four suspected assailants, police said. The fourth suspect remained at large Monday.

Ampatuan, who has served as mayor since 2022, called for improved security following the incident. Police spokespersons described the assault as professional in execution.

This was at least the fourth attempt on Ampatuan’s life since 2010, according to police. Investigators are looking into possible political motives tied to local rivalries.

The ambush comes amid ongoing national unrest over alleged corruption linked to government projects, which has sparked protests across the country.