Maguindanao del Sur mayor, wife arrested over vice mayor's slay

The Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) arrested on Tuesday the incumbent mayor South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur and his wife in connection to the 2024 murder of the town’s vice mayor.

The suspects, only identified as “Rey” and “Janet”, were nabbed by the authorities in Barangay Making in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte following an arrest warrant for murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder issued by a regional trial court in Cotabato City. 

“After a tedious and in-depth investigation, in November 2024, the SITG filed criminal complaints for violation of Article 248 of Revised Penal Code - Murder, Frustrated Murder, and Attempted Murder against twelve accused including the Mayor and his wife for their alleged participation as alleged ‘masterminds’ in the planning and orchestration of the ambush,” the PNP-CIDG said in a statement Wednesday. 

South Upi Vice Mayor Ronald Benito and one of his security aides were killed in an ambush in August 2024. 

Benito, members of his family, and security detail were onboard a pick-up truck in Sitio Linao, Barangay Pandan when they were attacked.

Benito's wife—a barangay chairperson—their child, and another security escort were wounded in the incident. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News