PNP forms task force to hunt Shariff Aguak ambush masterminds
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has formed a special task force to investigate the ambush of Shariff Aguak Mayor Akmad Mitra Ampatuan in Maguindanao, as authorities move to identify those behind the attack.
In a statement on Monday, January 26, Acting PNP Chief Jose Nartatez Jr. said the PNP will create a "special investigation task group" to gather forensic evidence from the suspects' vehicle and firearms and build cases against those responsible.
"The Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region 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," Nartatez said.
He also directed the regional police to intensify operations against loose firearms in the Bangsamoro region to prevent further violence and strengthen public safety.
"Hindi natin hahayaan na maging ‘Wild West' ang probinsya. I want a 24/7 visible police presence. We will dismantle the networks that provide these gunmen with high-powered firearms," Nartatez said.
(We will not allow the province to become the 'Wild West.' I want a 24/7 visible police presence. We will dismantle the networks that provide these gunmen with high-powered firearms.)
Ampatuan survived the ambush on Sunday, January 25, while traveling in Barangay Poblacion, Shariff Aguak. His black Toyota Land Cruiser was hit by gunfire, but he was unharmed.
Two of the mayor's security escorts sustained minor injuries, while a backup Toyota pick-up in his convoy was damaged.
Gunmen killed in pursuit
Police said four gunmen were killed in a hot pursuit operation along the national highway after the attack.
Authorities reported that the suspects were armed with high-powered weapons and were operating out of a white Suzuki minivan.
At a press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the ambush was the fourth attempt on Ampatuan's life.
He said investigators are still determining the motive behind the attack.
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