Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur – Mayor Akmad Ampatuan of Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao del Sur escaped uninjured in an ambush on his two-vehicle convoy Sunday morning, but two of his escorts were hurt.
Three alleged ambushers were killed during a pursuit operation by a joint police-Army team.
“The mayor is safe,” Anwar Kuit Emblawa, the mayor’s executive assistant, told reporters here in a text message.
He said Ampatuan was in his bulletproof black sports utility vehicle when attacked around 6:30 a.m. in Barangay Poblacion. His backup vehicle, a pickup, was also hit by bullets.
Emblawa said the two security escorts sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are being treated at Bangsamoro Regional and Medical Center in Datu Hoffer.
The suspects were on board a white minivan when they carried out the ambush. Police found high-powered firearms in the vehicle.
Ampatuan has survived two attempts against his life in the last five years. The motive of the latest attack remained unknown as of posting time.
metrosundaily
