MAGUINDANAO SUR MAYOR SURVIVES AMBUSH, 3 SUSPECTS KILLED IN GUNFIGHT WITH RESPONDING COPS, SOLDIERS

SHARIFF Aguak, Maguindanao Mayor Akmad Ampatuan on Sunday survived an ambush that left two of his security escorts wounded and the ambushers dead.

Ampatuan was in his bulletproof black sports utility vehicle when attacked around 6:30 a.m. on Sunday in Bgy. Poblacion in Shariff Aguak.

His backup vehicle, a pickup, was also hit by bullets.

Two of the mayor’s security escorts were wounded and are being  treated at the Bangsamoro Regional and Medical Center in Datu Hoffer.

The gunmen, who were in a minivan, fled after the gun attack.

Responding police and soldiers and volunteer community watchmen pursued the ambushers and cornered them in Bgy. Meta in nearby Datu Unsay, Maguindanao del Sur.

The suspects resisted and opened fire at the authorities which resulted in a gunfight.

The exchange of gunfire led to the death of the three suspects.

Ampatuan has survived two attempts against his life in the last five years.

An investigation is ongoing.