Prominent Filipino mayor target of RPG assault

A mayor in the Philippines has escaped with his life after being ambushed by a gang of assailants armed with a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), also known as a rocket launcher.

Horrifying footage of the attack shows a black Toyota SUV, carrying Mayor Akmad Ampatuan, pulling into a Caltex petrol station at around 6am on January 25.

Within moments, a man crouched behind a grey van across the street is seen launching the RPG, firing it directly into the SUV in the Shariff Aguak municipality of the Philippines.

A man in a red shirt is also seen with what appears to be a heavy-duty assault rifle, which he fires in the direction of the mayor.

The SUV is filmed quickly driving away, as smoke lingers on the rear of the vehicle.

Read more: News.com.au (Australia)