Shariff Aguak Mayor escapes death in ambush

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao del Sur — Shariff Aguak Mayor Datu Akmad B. Ampatuan Sr., al-Hadj narrowly escaped death after his convoy was ambushed by unidentified armed men early Sunday morning, January 25, 2026, authorities said.

Police said the ambush occurred at around 6:00 a.m. along Tr Street, Barangay Mother Poblacion, approximately two kilometers from the Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station. Law enforcement units responded to the scene within minutes, at 6:03 a.m., to secure the area and assist the victims.

Those involved in the incident were identified as:

1. Datu Akmad B. Ampatuan Sr., al-Hadj, mayor of Shariff Aguak, married, and a resident of Barangay Mother Poblacion;

2. PFC Manuel Arcega Dondiego, male, a member of Alpha Company, 90th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army; and

3. Lakman Eso Tips, male, married, and a resident of Barangay Mother Poblacion, Shariff Aguak.

Initial police investigation revealed that Mayor Ampatuan was on board his convoy and heading to his residence in Sitio Village, Barangay Mother Poblacion, when the attack occurred.

Upon reaching the corner of Maguindanao Street, a white minivan carrying armed men allegedly opened fire, reportedly using an RPG and high-powered firearms, targeting the mayor’s black Toyota Land Cruiser (plate number NDJ 9995) and the backup vehicle, a gray Toyota Hilux (plate number LAM 8146).

Authorities said PFC Dondiego, who was on board the Toyota Hilux, managed to return fire, resulting in a brief exchange of gunfire. The suspects later fled the scene, heading north.

During the exchange, PFC Dondiego sustained a gunshot wound to his left abdomen, while his co-passenger, Lakman Eso Tips, also suffered a gunshot wound to the left abdomen. Both were immediately given medical attention.

Mayor Ampatuan was unharmed.

Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects and are coordinating with military units to identify the armed group responsible for the ambush. Authorities are also determining the motive behind the attack.

Security measures in the area have been heightened as the investigation continues.