SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao del Sur — As authorities intensify their investigation into the brazen ambush targeting Shariff Aguak Mayor Datu Akmad Mitra Ampatuan Sr. on Sunday morning, January 25, 2026, allegations circulating on social media linking the attack to MILF Commander Datu “Blackstone” Adam have been strongly denied by the commander himself, even as police confirmed the use of heavy weapons and the deaths of three suspected gunmen.
Mayor Ampatuan narrowly escaped harm after his convoy was attacked in Barangay Poblacion, the municipality’s mother barangay. According to the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR), the assailants fired an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) and high-powered firearms, endangering civilians and public safety. Two of the mayor’s security escorts were wounded and are now in stable condition.
Suspects Killed, Vehicle Abandoned
In a major development later in the day, three individuals believed to be involved in the ambush were found dead in Sitio 24, Barangay Meta, Datu Unsay, roughly four to five kilometers from the ambush site.
Datu Unsay Chief of Police Capt. Argie Eyana said authorities discovered an abandoned vehicle riddled with bullet holes near the bodies. Investigators are still determining whether the suspects were killed in an armed encounter or under other circumstances while fleeing.
Police and military units have since launched joint hot-pursuit operations, including checkpoints, area clearing, intensified patrols, and strengthened intelligence coordination across Shariff Aguak and neighboring towns. Ballistics tests and forensic examinations are ongoing to establish the suspects’ identities and confirm their roles in the attack.
Social Media Allegations Spark Tension
Hours after the ambush, photos of one of the slain suspects began circulating online, triggering speculation among netizens in the Bangsamoro region. The images, along with photos of a vehicle allegedly seen near the scene, were linked by some social media users to Commander Blackstone Adam, a brigade commander of the 118th–17th MILF Brigade.
These posts fueled rumors that the suspects were allegedly “men of Commander Blackstone,” a claim that rapidly spread online and heightened tensions in the area.
Commander Blackstone: “We Had No Involvement”
In response, Commander Blackstone issued a categorical denial through a Facebook Live broadcast and subsequent statements on his official page.
He explained that he had been invited by the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) to go to the camp of the 90th Infantry Battalion to discuss recent disturbances in Shariff Aguak. According to him, the presence of vehicles seen online was purely coincidental.
“Nagkataon lamang na magkakatabi ang mga sasakyan sa parking area ng kampo ng kasundaluhan,” he said, stressing that it was not part of any planned operation or attack.
Blackstone further claimed that Mayor Ampatuan has multiple adversaries in Maguindanao del Sur and noted that in recent weeks, other MILF commanders had themselves been ambushed, including an incident involving a minivan that resulted in fatalities.
“Our objective is to help maintain peace and order, not to engage in violence against any official or group,” he said, urging the public to be cautious and responsible in sharing information online. He added that he harbors no resentment toward those who uploaded the posts, saying they may have been unaware of the actual circumstances.
Mayor Safe, Military Monitoring Situation
Meanwhile, Mayor Ampatuan is reportedly safe and has been seen coordinating with military officials, including Gen. Catu, the brigade commander of the 601st Brigade, Philippine Army, as security forces continue to monitor the situation.
An earlier confirmation by Anwar Emblawa, Secretary to the Mayor, said the local chief executive was safely evacuated and remains under tight security.
Police Condemn Attack, Urge Public Cooperation
In a statement, PRO BAR strongly condemned the ambush, calling it a “dangerous and excessive use of force” that put both officials and civilians at risk.
“The Police Regional Office BAR remains firmly committed to maintaining peace and order, protecting public officials and communities, and ensuring the swift accountability of those responsible,” the statement read.
Authorities urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station as the investigation continues.
Further updates will be released once official findings are confirmed by law enforcement agencies.