Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced its commitment to apprehend those responsible for the ambush on Shariff Aguak Mayor Akmad Mitra Ampatuan in Maguindanao del Sur. The incident occurred on Sunday, and the PNP has vowed to employ all necessary resources to bring the perpetrators to justice. According to Philippines News Agency, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has instructed law enforcement units in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to identify and arrest the mastermind behind the attack. Nartatez emphasized the PNP's stance against any attempts to harm public officials and promised that justice will be served. He highlighted the importance of dismantling the entire network involved in the ambush. To bolster the investigation, Nartatez announced the formation of a Special Investigation Task Group. This group will focus on collecting forensic evidence from the suspects' vehicle and firearms to strengthen the case against those responsible. Addi tionally, Nartatez directed the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) to intensify efforts against loose firearms as a preventive measure against future incidents. The ambush left Mayor Ampatuan unharmed, but two of his escorts sustained injuries. In the aftermath, three alleged suspects were killed during a pursuit operation conducted by a joint police-military team. During a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño identified the deceased suspects as known hired killers in the region. One of the suspects, referred to as 'Rap Rap,' was allegedly the leader of the group and had three outstanding arrest warrants for murder, robbery, and gun ban violations. Tuaño further disclosed that Rap Rap's accomplices included his uncle, nephew, and brother.