Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur Mayor Datu Akmad Ampatuan Sr. raised the possibility that the personalities behind the attempt on his life are not ordinary individuals.

Ampatuan was grateful that he survived the assassination attempt when a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) was fired at his vehicle in Barangay Poblacion on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

Two of Ampatuan’s security escorts were hit in the stomach and were brought to a hospital for treatment.

The mayor said this was the fourth attempt on his life. He added that he could not believe that someone would use an RPG in an effort to kill him.

The incident makes him suspect that those behind the attack are not ordinary individuals.

Ampatuan said he cannot see any motive for the ambush, adding, that he has done nothing in his town that would harm his constituents.

The mayor is leaving the investigation to the police, especially after three suspects were killed during hot pursuit in a nearby area in Datu Unsay town.

“Di ko akalain na ganun mangyari sa akin. Wala man ako ginagawa, sa akin lang, maka-trabaho ako, ma-monitor ko mga sibilyan, mga tao. Buti sana ako lang target nila, tanggap ko nay an, wala lang madadamay sibilyan,” Ampatuan said.