In a chilling turn of events, Akmad Ampatuan, the mayor of Shariff Aguak in the Philippines, was targeted in an assassination attempt that would make any action movie look tame. A rocket-propelled grenade was fired at his armored Toyota Land Cruiser, and against all odds, he managed to escape unharmed. This jaw-dropping footage shows the intensity of the moment, with smoke billowing as the grenade detonated beneath his vehicle.
Ampatuan’s life was saved this time, although two of his security guards did sustain minor injuries. The assailants wasted no time fleeing the scene, leading to a subsequent shootout with local police and military forces. There’s certainly no shortage of drama here; three of the attackers were killed, with one still on the run.
What’s particularly striking is that this marks the fourth attempt on Mayor Ampatuan’s life, raising questions about the safety politicians face in volatile regions. It’s a testament to his luck—or perhaps his determination—to keep surviving these attempts. And as he navigates the political landscape, you have to wonder: how many close calls can one person endure before they become a superhero in their community?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
