Aceh – Indonesia, Police and military units in Mindanao, Philippines, have launched a massive manhunt for Datu Unsay Mayor Datu Andal “Xyril” Ampatuan V. He and 11 associates are currently being hunted after the Iligan City court issued an arrest warrant without bail.
This comes following a brutal ambush using a “bazooka” and rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) targeting Shariff Aguak Mayor Datu Akmad “Mitra” Ampatuan Sr. on January 25.
Citing the Manila Times on Monday (28/09/2026), a local judge officially signed the arrest warrant starting Friday.
The judge cited various high-level crime charges without recommending temporary release on bail for any of the suspects.
The warrant follows a Department of Justice (DOJ) resolution dated August 28, which found probable cause to formally charge the 26-year-old local chief executive along with all his associates.
Specifically, besides Mayor Xyril Ampatuan, other key suspects include several municipal councilors. They are Edad “Haider” Pendatun, Aboher Guimbangan, Mohamad Shamron Sapalon Uday, Ababang Salik, Toraipie Lusod, and Gapor Magaluyan.
Five village chairmen were also involved: Samsudin Mokamad, Saudi Guiapal, Johari Guiapal, Soy Kali, and Datuben Gayon Alib Dimau.
The 12 individuals now face four counts of premeditated murder, attempted murder, malicious mischief, and violations of Republic Act (RA) 9516 for illegal possession and use of explosives. The court has also filed multiple charges against the group under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (RA 11479).
Chronology
This legal action stems from a brutal attack in broad daylight at around 6:00 AM local time on January 25 along the national highway in Barangay Poblacion, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur. CCTV footage clearly shows a gang of armed men alighting from a minivan and firing an RPG directly at Mayor Mitra’s armored Land Cruiser, which was immediately followed by a barrage of automatic gunfire.
Mayor Mitra escaped unharmed in what was the fifth assassination attempt against him, thanks to the protection of his bulletproof vehicle.
However, two of his security escorts, including Philippine Army 90th Infantry Battalion member PFC Manuel Dondiego, suffered blast contusions and shrapnel injuries. A formal criminal complaint with the DOJ was jointly filed by Mayor Mitra, Dondiego, Tips Lakman Eso, and Butch Saludin.
For background, Xyril Ampatuan is the son of former Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. His father was previously convicted and imprisoned for his role in the November 23, 2009 Maguindanao massacre, which tragically claimed 58 lives, including 32 journalists.
Responding to the escalating threat, the regional director of the Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) confirmed a full deployment of forces in the field. “Special tactical teams are coordinating closely with military units from the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) to track down and arrest the suspects,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, local leaders and security forces in Shariff Aguak and Datu Unsay have heightened vigilance to high alert across all checkpoints while urging local residents to remain calm as authorities execute the court order.