DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN, Maguindanao del Sur — A deadly ambush along the national highway in Datu Saudi Ampatuan on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, left one person dead and another injured, marking the latest in a series of violent attacks linked to the family of the mayor of Shariff Aguak.
Police identified the fatality as Datu Gara Ampatuan, nephew of Shariff Aguak Mayor Datu Akmad Mitra Ampatuan. The wounded victim was named as Datu Mama Ampatuan, the mayor’s younger brother.
Targeted Highway Attack
Initial investigations revealed that the victims were traveling in a black Nissan Livina from Cotabato City and were on their way home to Shariff Aguak when unidentified assailants opened fire on their vehicle along the national highway in Datu Saudi Ampatuan.
Despite being hit by gunfire, the driver managed to control the vehicle and drove toward the neighboring town of Datu Unsay to seek immediate assistance. However, Datu Gara Ampatuan later succumbed to his wounds, while Datu Mama Ampatuan was rushed to a hospital and remains under medical care.
Police Clarify Incident Location
Authorities clarified reports circulating online that the ambush occurred in Datu Unsay.
Datu Unsay Police Chief Argie Eyana stressed that the shooting happened outside his jurisdiction. This was confirmed by Bangsamoro police spokesperson Steffi Salanguit, who said the attack took place in Datu Saudi Ampatuan and that the victims only reached Datu Unsay while fleeing the scene.
Local Officials Confirm Casualties
Shariff Aguak Secretary to the Mayor Anwar Emblawa confirmed the identities of the victims and described the ambush as a targeted attack.
“The victims were already on their way home when they were fired upon. One died, and one was wounded,” Emblawa said.
Earlier RPG Attack on Mayor
The latest ambush follows a separate attack on Mayor Ampatuan himself last month.
On January 25, 2026, Mayor Datu Akmad Mitra Ampatuan survived an ambush in Barangay Poblacion, the mother barangay of Shariff Aguak, after his convoy came under fire from unidentified gunmen. Reports indicated that the attackers used high-powered firearms and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), damaging the mayor’s service vehicle.
While the mayor was unharmed, two of his security escorts were wounded and rushed to a hospital. He was immediately evacuated to a secure location following the incident.
Later that day, three individuals believed to be linked to the attack were found dead in Sitio 24, Barangay Meta, in Datu Unsay. An abandoned vehicle riddled with bullet holes was discovered near the bodies, according to police.
Authorities are still investigating whether the suspects were killed in an armed encounter or while attempting to evade security forces.
Investigation and Security Measures
The Philippine National Police and the PNP BARMM have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the motive behind both attacks and to identify the perpetrators.
Investigators are examining ballistic evidence, reviewing possible surveillance footage, and interviewing witnesses. Authorities are also looking into possible links between the January attack on the mayor and the February ambush involving his relatives.
In response to the incidents, security forces have intensified patrols and checkpoints across Maguindanao del Sur, particularly in Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, and nearby towns, to prevent further violence and possible retaliatory attacks.
Police officials urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities by providing any information that may help solve the crimes.
“All possible angles, including political, personal, and criminal motives, are being considered,” a police official said. “We are determined to bring those responsible to justice.”
The investigation remains ongoing.