The mayor of a small town in the southern Philippines narrowly escaped death after surviving a rocket-propelled grenade attack in what authorities described as a brazen assassination attempt. Mayor Akmad Ampatuan of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, was targeted on January 25, 2026, when armed assailants launched an RPG at his armored vehicle as it traveled through an urban area.

According to initial reports, Mayor Ampatuan was riding in an armored Toyota Land Cruiser when a white van pulled alongside his blue SUV. CCTV footage shows two men exiting the van and firing the rocket at close range. The projectile detonated beneath the mayor’s vehicle, producing a massive fireball and thick smoke that briefly engulfed the convoy. Despite the intensity of the blast, the armored SUV continued forward, allowing the mayor to escape the kill zone.

The mayor survived the attack unharmed, marking his fourth failed assassination attempt. Two of his security personnel sustained minor injuries from the explosion. A swift police response followed, resulting in a shootout with the attackers. Authorities confirmed that three of the four suspects involved in the ambush were killed during the exchange, while investigations continue to determine whether additional accomplices were involved.

Security officials noted that the use of a rocket-propelled grenade in a populated area is highly unusual and underscores the level of violence employed in the attempt. Such weapons are rarely deployed in urban political attacks, making the incident particularly alarming for local authorities and residents alike.

The attack highlights ongoing security challenges in parts of Mindanao, where political rivalries, clan conflicts, and insurgent violence have historically posed risks to public officials. Despite repeated attempts on his life, Mayor Ampatuan has continued to serve in office under heavy security, reflecting both the volatility of the region and the resilience required of local leadership.

Authorities have vowed to pursue a full investigation into the incident, stressing that those responsible for orchestrating the attack will be held accountable. The dramatic survival of the mayor has reignited discussions about the safety of elected officials and the need for stronger measures to prevent politically motivated violence in vulnerable areas.