REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
South Upi Mayor And Wife Nabbed On Connection To Vice Mayor's Fatal Ambush
Photo credit: CIDG
In a dramatic turn of events, the mayor of South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur, and his wife were arrested by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on May 20, 2025, in connection with the deadly ambush that killed the town’s vice mayor last year.
The couple—identified only as “Rey” and “Janet”—were arrested in Barangay Making, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, just a day after a court issued warrants for their arrest. They are now facing serious charges of murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder.
The arrests follow the directive of PNP Chief PGen Rommel Francisco Marbil to strengthen the force’s crime-fighting capabilities, especially when it comes to fugitives. And in this case, CIDG teams from Maguindanao, Cotabato City, and the Bangsamoro region didn’t waste any time.
The case dates back to August 2, 2024, when a shocking ambush occurred in Sitio Linao, Barangay Pandan, South Upi. Vice Mayor Roldan Benito and his security aide, Weng Marcos, were killed on the spot. The Vice Mayor’s wife—Barangay Chairperson Analyn Benito—and their 11-year-old child were also injured in the hail of bullets.
Because the victim was an elected official, authorities quickly formed a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG). After months of digging, they zeroed in on 12 suspects—including the mayor and his wife—believed to have masterminded the brutal attack. In November 2024, the SITG officially filed criminal complaints.
Fast forward to May 19, 2025: the court finally issued the warrants. By the very next day, CIDG operatives moved in and arrested the couple without delay.
CIDG Director PMGen Romeo Caramat commended the entire team for their hard work and persistence. “You never stopped. You waited patiently for the arrest warrant and acted swiftly. This shows CIDG’s commitment to justice—for the victims and their families,” he said.
Meanwhile, CIDG chief PMGen Ronald Lee Torre III sent a clear message to the remaining suspects: “We urge the other accused to surrender. CIDG is relentless—we mean business.”
This case serves as a strong reminder that no one is above the law, and that justice, no matter how long it takes, will come knocking.
The couple—identified only as “Rey” and “Janet”—were arrested in Barangay Making, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, just a day after a court issued warrants for their arrest. They are now facing serious charges of murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder.
The arrests follow the directive of PNP Chief PGen Rommel Francisco Marbil to strengthen the force’s crime-fighting capabilities, especially when it comes to fugitives. And in this case, CIDG teams from Maguindanao, Cotabato City, and the Bangsamoro region didn’t waste any time.
The case dates back to August 2, 2024, when a shocking ambush occurred in Sitio Linao, Barangay Pandan, South Upi. Vice Mayor Roldan Benito and his security aide, Weng Marcos, were killed on the spot. The Vice Mayor’s wife—Barangay Chairperson Analyn Benito—and their 11-year-old child were also injured in the hail of bullets.
Because the victim was an elected official, authorities quickly formed a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG). After months of digging, they zeroed in on 12 suspects—including the mayor and his wife—believed to have masterminded the brutal attack. In November 2024, the SITG officially filed criminal complaints.
Fast forward to May 19, 2025: the court finally issued the warrants. By the very next day, CIDG operatives moved in and arrested the couple without delay.
CIDG Director PMGen Romeo Caramat commended the entire team for their hard work and persistence. “You never stopped. You waited patiently for the arrest warrant and acted swiftly. This shows CIDG’s commitment to justice—for the victims and their families,” he said.
Meanwhile, CIDG chief PMGen Ronald Lee Torre III sent a clear message to the remaining suspects: “We urge the other accused to surrender. CIDG is relentless—we mean business.”
This case serves as a strong reminder that no one is above the law, and that justice, no matter how long it takes, will come knocking.
May 21, 2025
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