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Mayor Survives Fourth Assassination Attempt in Philippines

1/30/2026

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Summary

Mayor Escapes Assassination

On January 29, 2026, Mayor Akmad Ampatuan of Shariff Aguak, Philippines, survived a rocket-propelled grenade attack on his armored convoy at a gas station.
CCTV footage shows an assailant firing a rocket-propelled grenade at the mayor's vehicle, which was damaged but escaped.
Two bodyguards were injured.
Police killed three of four attackers during a pursuit.
Officials say the attack is Ampatuan's fourth assassination attempt in 15 years.

History

Historical Context

The Maguindanao massacre on November 23, 2009, claimed 58 lives, including 34 journalists, during an election-related ambush in the Philippines. The Ampatuan family, long entrenched in local politics, orchestrated the violence to eliminate rival Esmael Mangudadatu's candidacy. This incident exemplifies the pervasive political violence in the Philippines, complicating governance and endangering public safety, particularly for political figures.

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Mayor Escapes Assassination

On January 29, 2026, Mayor Akmad Ampatuan of Shariff Aguak, Philippines, survived a rocket-propelled grenade attack on his armored convoy at a gas station.
CCTV footage shows an assailant firing a rocket-propelled grenade at the mayor's vehicle, which was damaged but escaped.
Two bodyguards were injured.
Police killed three of four attackers during a pursuit.
Officials say the attack is Ampatuan's fourth assassination attempt in 15 years.

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