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MANILA, Philippines (4th UPDATE) - A failed attempt on the life of Buluan, Maguindanao Vice Mayor Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu occurred at a Davao City mall Thursday evening.

Initial reports from ABS-CBN Davao said Mangudadatu and 3 of his children went to the JS Gaisano City Mall in Illustre, Davao City to buy toys at around 7 p.m. Thursday.

When the group reached the mall's 4th floor, suspect Tamano Mamalapat allegedly tried to lunge at Mangudadatu while paying for purchases at one of the mall's counters.

"Pagkatapos naming pumili ng mga damit ng mga bata para sa party nila... noong pagbayad niya, lumapit yung lalaking nakaputi sa akin. Akala nung mga andito, mga salesgirls, kasama ko rin," he said.

The suspect then grabbed the gun of one of Mangudadatu's security escorts and aimed at the mayor.

Two of Mangudadatu's security escorts quickly lunged at the suspect, but he escaped and ran towards the housewares section of the mall, where he was shot.

Mangudadatu said Mamalapat is one of the suspects in the November 23 massacre in Ampatuan, Maguindanao, where 57 people were killed.

He also said that the suspect is a nephew of Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr