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PNP vows to identify masterminds behind RPG attack on Maguindanao del Sur mayor

Philippines | National

PNP vows to identify masterminds behind RPG attack on Maguindanao del Sur mayor

By Aaron Recuenco

photo: PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered a thorough investigation into the daring ambush on a town mayor in Maguindanao del Sur on Sunday, Jan. 25, the incident went viral after one of the attackers was captured in a closed-circuit television (CCTV) using a rocket propelled-grenade (RPG).

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said he already tasked the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to create a special investigation task group to focus on identifying all those responsible in the attack—from the masterminds to those who carried out the ambush.

“The Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) will pursue those responsible with full force. Those who believe they can hide behind hired gunmen are mistaken. The PNP will go after the masterminds and dismantle the entire network responsible for this attack,” said Nartatez.

On Sunday, a small group of armed fired an RPG to the vehicle of Shariff Aguak Mayor Akmad Mitra Ampatuan in Barangay Poblacion.

Ampatuan survived the attack but two of his security escorts were injured.

On the other hand, police reported killing all four gunmen during a hot pursuit along the national highway. The suspects were riding a white Suzuki minivan (KAO-9462) and were found to be carrying high-powered firearms.

Nartatez tasked all police commanders in the province and nearby areas to also intensify the campaign against loose firearms across the region to prevent similar attacks and ensure public safety as he vowed to exert all measures to dismantle the networks that provide these gunmen with high-powered firearms.

“The Philippine National Police reiterates its firm stance against political violence. We will not tolerate attempts to intimidate or harm public officials, and we will ensure that justice is served,” said Nartatez.

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