SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao del Sur — Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation following a powerful explosion that rocked the vicinity of a gasoline station in Barangay Poblacion II on Saturday night, May 9, heightening fear and tension among residents amid reported death threats against the family of Mayor Akmad Ampatuan.
According to the report of the Philippine National Police through the Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station, the explosion occurred at around 10:43 p.m. in front of the NPS Gasoline Station, a business reportedly owned by a sibling of Mayor Ampatuan.
Police personnel immediately responded after hearing a loud blast that shook nearby communities. Upon arrival at the scene, authorities discovered a crater near the entrance of the gasoline station believed to have been caused by the explosion.
Despite the intensity of the blast, no casualties or injuries were reported.
However, the incident triggered widespread fear among residents, especially amid circulating reports and videos allegedly containing threats against Mayor Akmad Ampatuan and his family.
Initial investigation revealed that CCTV footage captured two unidentified men riding a motorcycle loitering near the area minutes before the explosion. The suspects reportedly fled immediately after the incident.
In response, law enforcement authorities swiftly launched dragnet and checkpoint operations involving the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, and the 6th Infantry Division to identify and arrest those responsible.
Hot pursuit operations were also immediately conducted by the Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station, Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), and the 44th Special Action Company.
Authorities are now looking into possible links between the bombing and previous violent incidents involving threats against Mayor Ampatuan.
Bomb Experts Recover Evidence
The Provincial Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit (PECU) of Maguindanao del Sur later conducted a post-blast investigation at the site under the leadership of PMSg Efren John A. Torricer and under the supervision of PLT Henry O. Dayot, Officer-in-Charge of RECU-BAR.
Before the investigation, bomb disposal personnel carried out a thorough “5/25 search” procedure to ensure that no secondary explosive devices were present in the area.
Working alongside the Provincial Forensic Unit and investigators from the Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station, authorities recovered several pieces of evidence from the seat of the explosion, including three metal fragments, a safety lever believed to be part of a fragmentation hand grenade, and soil samples for chemical analysis.
The recovered materials are now undergoing forensic examination to determine the exact type of explosive used in the attack.
After securing the area and ensuring no additional hazards remained, the crime scene was formally turned over to local police investigators for legal proceedings.
The operation was conducted under the leadership of PBGEN Rogelio Z. Raymundo Jr., director of the PNP-EOD/K9 Group, as part of intensified security and investigative efforts in the Bangsamoro region.
Vice Mayor Appeals for Government Intervention
Meanwhile, Shariff Aguak Vice Mayor Hadji Oping Ampatuan publicly appealed to government authorities to immediately address what he described as serious and escalating death threats against Mayor Akmad Ampatuan, their family, and the entire municipality.
In a statement posted on social media, the vice mayor claimed that tensions in the area intensified after the Department of Justice reportedly issued subpoenas against suspects linked to a previous RPG ambush attack that allegedly targeted the mayor.
According to the vice mayor, the community has become increasingly alarmed by a series of threatening incidents, including the alleged circulation of videos containing direct threats against the mayor and the recent explosion at the gasoline station.
He emphasized that violence and intimidation should never be used to settle disputes and called for justice and peace to prevail under the rule of law.
“Many residents are now deeply worried about their safety because of these incidents,” the vice mayor said, as he urged the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other concerned agencies to strengthen security measures, conduct a swift investigation, and ensure accountability for those behind the attacks.
Authorities have yet to officially determine the motive behind the explosion, while investigations and security operations continue across Shariff Aguak and nearby areas.