Philippine National Police Acting Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Monday ordered the Police Regional Office-BARMM to form a Special Investigation Task Group to identify those who ordered and financed the ambush on Shariff Aguak Mayor Akmad Mitra Ampatuan in Maguindanao del Sur.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Randulf Tuaño said Nartatez wants the masterminds behind the ambush identified and arrested.

Tuaño said the slain suspects were members of a family allegedly known in the region as “gun for hire.”

He said the primary suspect, identified as “Rap Rap,” was the one who fired a rocket-propelled grenade at Mayor Ampatuan’s vehicle. Rap Rap was allegedly the gang leader and was accompanied by his uncle and nephew, while his brother acted as the driver of their getaway vehicle, a white Suzuki minivan.

Tuaño said Rap Rap remains at large after escaping during a chase involving the mayor’s security escorts, assisted by two police mobile operatives who witnessed the pursuit.

He said the suspect has three outstanding warrants of arrest for murder, robbery in band in 2023, and violations of the Commission on Elections gun ban.

Tuaño added that the Special Investigation Task Group will gather forensic evidence from the suspects’ vehicle and firearms to build a strong case against those responsible for the attack.

He said Nartatez also directed PRO-BAR to intensify its campaign against loose firearms in the region to prevent similar incidents and strengthen public safety, including maintaining a heightened and visible police presence.

The PNP reiterated its firm stance against political violence, warning that attempts to intimidate or harm public officials will not be tolerated and that those responsible will be held accountable.

Mayor Ampatuan survived the ambush, while two of his security escorts sustained minor injuries.