Maguindanao del Sur vice mayor, security aide shot dead in ambush

A vice mayor in Maguindanao del Sur and one of his security aides were killed after they were ambushed on Friday afternoon.

According to a report on "State of the Nation," South Upi Vice Mayor Roldan Benito, members of his family, and security detail were in 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. 

Police are in pursuit of the suspects. 

“While traveling through a mountainous area, the victims’ vehicle was fired upon by unknown individuals. The perpetrators fled the scene in an unknown direction after the incident,” the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Police Office said on Facebook.

The South Upi Police and the 57th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army have initiated clearing and pursuit operations.

Authorities are conducting further investigation and an intensive manhunt to locate the suspects.

South Upi Mayor Reynalbert Insular condemned the attack in a statement on Friday.

“We are shocked and outraged by the brutal ambush that claimed the life of our beloved Vice Mayor Roldan M. Benito… This senseless act of violence against a committed public servant and his family has no place in our community, and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms,” said Insular.

He added that the South Upi local government will closely coordinate with the police and mobilize all their resources “for a comprehensive and speedy investigation.”

“We are calling upon all South Upians to remain watchful, stand in solidarity, and cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies as we pursue justice for this horrendous crime… Together, we will rise above this tragedy,” he added.  —Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/NB, GMA Integrated News