MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR, PHILIPPINES — A dramatic security video has captured international attention after showing a Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series shrugging off a direct hit from a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). The incident, which occurred on January 25, 2026, was part of a brazen assassination attempt on Mayor Akmad Ampatuan of Shariff Aguak.
The footage shows two assailants emerging from a parked white van as the Mayor’s convoy approaches. One suspect launches an RPG at the black SUV, resulting in a large explosion and a cloud of thick smoke. Remarkably, the vehicle does not stall; instead, it accelerates through the blast to safety.
Incident Report: The Ambush at Shariff Aguak
-
The Target: Mayor Akmad Ampatuan (who has survived three previous assassination attempts since 2014).
-
The Outcome: The Mayor was completely unharmed. Two security escorts sustained minor injuries but are in stable condition.
-
The Aftermath: Following a “hot pursuit” by the Philippine National Police and the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion, three suspects were killed in a shootout later that day. High-powered rifles and a B40 RPG launcher were recovered from their vehicle.
The “Indestructible” SUV: Why It Survived
Automotive experts and security analysts have noted that while the Land Cruiser is legendary for its factory toughness, the vehicle in the video was a specialized armored variant.
| Feature | Protection Capability |
| Ballistic Plating | Reinforced steel panels capable of stopping high-velocity rounds and shrapnel. |
| Blast-Resistant Glass | Multi-layered polycarbonate glass that absorbed the explosive shockwave without shattering. |
| Run-Flat Tires | Allowed the driver to maintain speed and control despite the proximity of the blast. |
| Reinforced Chassis | The 300 Series’ high-strength ladder-frame construction prevented structural collapse. |
“If the vehicle hadn’t been armored, the Mayor would not be alive today,” said Anwar Kuit Emblawa, the Mayor’s executive assistant.
The “GTA” Comparison
The video has gone viral on platforms like Reddit and Instagram, with many netizens comparing the real-life footage to a scene from Grand Theft Auto. The clip has further cemented the Land Cruiser’s reputation as the “gold standard” for high-profile security transport in high-risk zones.
