The mayor of Shariff Aguak, Akmad Mitra Ampatuan, narrowly escaped injury following an attack on his vehicle in the Philippines. According to reports, his convoy was ambushed by heavily armed assailants, resulting in an intense exchange of gunfire. During the incident, a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) struck the armored Toyota Land Cruiser carrying the mayor.
Authorities confirmed that while the vehicle sustained damage from the attack, Mayor Ampatuan was unharmed. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle despite the explosion, allowing the convoy to proceed away from danger. The motives behind the attack remain unclear, and security forces have launched an investigation into the incident.
Local officials condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for heightened security measures in the region. The incident raises ongoing concerns about political violence and armed conflict in parts of the Philippines, particularly in areas with a history of insurgency and clan-related conflicts. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and authorities continue to pursue those behind the assault.