PNP vows to unmask brains behind ambush on BARMM town mayor

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

PROBE UPDATE. Philippine National Police information chief and spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño shows the white vehicle used by the suspects behind the ambush on Shariff Aguak Mayor Akmad Mitra Ampatuan during a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Monday (Jan. 26, 2026). A Special Investigation Task Group will be formed to gather forensic evidence from the suspects’ vehicle and firearms and to build a strong case against the mastermind. (Philippine National Police/facebook)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it will pursue with “full force” those behind Sunday’s ambush on a town mayor in Maguindanao del Sur.

In a statement, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed police units in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to arrest the mastermind and dismantle the entire network behind the attack on Shariff Aguak Mayor Akmad Mitra Ampatuan.

“The PNP will not tolerate attempts to intimidate or harm public officials, and we will ensure that justice is served,” Nartatez said. “The Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) will pursue those responsible with full force.”

Nartatez said a Special Investigation Task Group will be formed to gather forensic evidence from the suspects’ vehicle and firearms and to build a strong case against the perpetrators.

He also ordered PRO-BAR to intensify its campaign against loose firearms to prevent similar incidents and ensure public safety.

Ampatuan was unhurt in the ambush, but two of his escorts were injured. Three alleged suspects were killed during a pursuit operation by a joint police-military team.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the slain suspects were known in the region as hired killers.

One suspect, identified only as “Rap Rap,” was allegedly the team leader and had three outstanding arrest warrants for murder, robbery and gun ban violations.

Rap Rap’s accomplices were his uncle, nephew and brother, Tuaño said.