12 ordered arrested over RPG ambush targeting Shariff Aguak mayor

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COTABATO CITY — The Iligan City Regional Trial Court Branch 1 has issued arrest warrants for 12 individuals, including Datu Unsay, Maguindanao del Sur Mayor Datu Andal “Xyril” Ampatuan V, in connection with the January rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) ambush targeting Shariff Aguak Mayor Datu Akmad “Mitra” Ampatuan Sr.

The warrants stem from an August 28, 2026 resolution by a Department of Justice (DOJ), which found probable cause to indict the respondents over the attack, which the Shariff Aguak mayor survived.

The accused face four counts of frustrated murder and multiple violations of Republic Act 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, including Section 4 (Terrorism), Section 6 (Planning, Training, Preparing, and Facilitating the Commission of Terrorism), and Section 7 (Conspiracy to Commit Terrorism).

Aside from Mayor Datu Andal “Xyril” Ampatuan V, the other accused are:

• Ababang Salik, also known as Babang
• Edad Pendatun, also known as Haider
• Aboher K. Guimbangan
• Toraipie A. Lusod
• Gapor Magaluyan
• Mohammad Shamron Uday Sapalon, also known as Tho Sapalon
• Samsudin K. Mokamad
• Saudi M. Guiapal
• Johari M. Guiapal
• Soy Kali
• Datuben Gayon, also known as Datu Ben A. Alib

Ampatuan and his co-accused have yet to issue statements regarding the arrest warrants.

The complaints were filed by Shariff Aguak Mayor Ampatuan, along with PFC Manuel Dondiego, Tips Lakman Eso, and Butch Saludin.

Shariff Aguak Mayor Ampatuan is a cousin of former Datu Unsay Mayor Datu Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan Jr. Ampatuan Jr. was convicted in connection with the 2009 Maguindanao massacre. Mayor Datu Andal “Xyril” Ampatuan V is his son.

Shariff Aguak Mayor Ampatuan was also a key witness in the Maguindanao massacre case that led to the conviction of Andal Ampatuan Jr.

On January 25, armed men ambushed Shariff Aguak Mayor Ampatuan's convoy using an RPG. He was unharmed, but two of his security escorts were wounded in the ensuing firefight.

Police said all four suspects were killed during a hot-pursuit operation following the ambush.

More than three weeks later, unidentified gunmen opened fire on a vehicle carrying the nephew of Shariff Aguak Mayor Ampatuan in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, killing him.

Two other people were wounded in the attack, including the mayor’s younger brother, identified as Yasser, and another individual identified only as “Lemon.” — VBL, GMA News