‘Rap Rap’ still at large after Ampatuan ambush

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday confirmed that the alleged gunman known as “Rap Rap” remains at large, even as authorities stepped up efforts to identify those who ordered and funded the ambush on Shariff Aguak Mayor Akmad Mitra Ampatuan early Sunday morning.

Speaking at a press briefing in Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has directed the Police Regional Office–BARMM to form a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to go after not just the attackers, but the masterminds behind the assault on the Maguindanao del Sur mayor.

Tuaño said the suspects were believed to be members of a family known locally as “guns for hire.”

Rap Rap, identified as the group’s leader, allegedly fired a B-40 rocket-propelled grenade at the mayor’s bullet-resistant Toyota Land Cruiser before his companions opened fire with high-powered rifles along the national highway in Barangay Poblacion, Shariff Aguak.

While several suspects were later killed in a clash with authorities, Rap Rap managed to escape during a pursuit by the mayor’s security escorts, with police officers also joining the chase.

Police said Rap Rap is a high-value target, with three standing warrants of arrest for murder, robbery in band, and violations of the Commission on Elections gun ban.

Tuaño said the SITG is now collecting forensic evidence from recovered firearms and vehicles, reviewing CCTV footage along possible escape routes, and tracing financial and communication links that could lead to those who planned and financed the attack.

Mayor Ampatuan survived the ambush, crediting his armored vehicle for absorbing the blast, while two of his security escorts sustained minor injuries.

The attack — reported to be the latest in a series of attempts on the mayor’s life — has once again raised concerns over political violence and armed groups in Maguindanao del Sur.