Mayor's Nephew Fatally Ambushed in Maguindanao del Sur, Police Investigate Connection to Previous Attack
A nephew of Shariff Aguak Mayor Datu Adatu Akmad Mitra Ampatuan Sr. was killed in a brazen daylight ambush on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur. The violent incident occurred around 11 a.m. near the boundary between Barangay Kabengi and Barangay Salbu, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Details of the Fatal Attack
The victim, identified as Datu Murshid Ampatuan, was traveling in a black Nissan Livina with his uncle, Datu Yasser, who is the mayor's younger brother, and a companion named Lemon Angkad Bangen. Unidentified gunmen suddenly opened fire on their vehicle, unleashing a barrage of bullets in a targeted assault.
Ampatuan was declared dead by an attending physician after being rushed to the hospital by emergency responders. The two other occupants of the vehicle, Datu Yasser and Bangen, sustained wounds in the attack and are currently receiving medical treatment for their injuries.
Police Suspect Link to Earlier Ambush on Mayor
In a press conference held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Philippine National Police spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño revealed that investigators believe this latest attack is connected to an earlier ambush targeting Mayor Ampatuan himself. That previous incident occurred on January 25, when armed men fired a rocket-propelled grenade and assault rifles at the mayor's convoy in Shariff Aguak.
While the mayor survived that attack unharmed, two of his security escorts were wounded in the violent confrontation. The connection between the two incidents has become a focal point of the ongoing police investigation.
"Base sa initial na imbestigasyon, noong bumaba 'yung mga tatlong suspects sa nasabing pananambang, maaari umanong namukhaan daw ito ng kanyang kapatid (Datu Yasser)," Tuaño stated during the press briefing. This translates to: "Based on the initial investigation, when the three suspects got out during the said ambush, they were allegedly recognized by his brother [Datu Yasser]."
The recognition of the suspects by one of the victims adds a crucial dimension to the investigation, potentially providing valuable leads for law enforcement authorities. The police are continuing their probe into both ambushes, examining possible motives and pursuing the perpetrators responsible for these violent acts in Maguindanao del Sur.
