Escorts of Maguindanao vice mayor survive ambush

COTABATO CITY --- Unidentified gunmen ambushed Friday night a security vehicle of Vice Mayor Akmad Ampatuan of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, police and military said.No one from the security escorts were injured, according to Senior Insp. Rasol Pandulo, spokesperson of Maguindanao PNP.Pandulo said the four escorts, identified as Mahdi Simpa, 33 Anwarudin Guiman, 25 Mama Ampatuan, 51 and driver Modef Simpal, 19, all resident of Barangay, were on board Toyota Tamaraw FX without license plate.The vice mayor was not in the vehicle during the attempt.They were traveling in Barangay Poblacion Mother, particularly near the mansion of former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr, when the unidentified suspects opened fire.A police investigator said one of the would be victim of failed ambush has identified the attackers as Nasri Salik, Koryano Usop, Kamsa Salik, Babai Mama Usop and Puti Usop of Poblacion 2, Shariff Aguak. It was not clear if the four security personnel were also armed and whether they managed to return fire.The car had bullets holes and empty shells for cal. 45 pistol were recovered in the crime scene.Investigation continues.