The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) condemns the killing of Roldan Benito, the vice mayor of South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur, and Weng Marcos, his bodyguard, on 02 August 2024.

Reports indicate that Benito, along with his family and bodyguard, were in a pickup truck in Brgy. Pandan when armed individuals with long firearms attacked their vehicle. The wife of Benito, who was also wounded in the encounter, is also the incumbent barangay captain of Brgy. Pandan.

As part of our Constitutional mandate, we have deployed a Quick Response Operation through CHR Region XII to aid in the pursuit of truth and to investigate the matter.

CHR notes that this incident is a recent addition to the long list of violence committed against elected government officials this 2024.[1][2] We express our concern over the continued occurrences of violence committed against public officials as the 2025 midterm elections draw closer.

Continued occurrences of violence only cultivate a climate of fear amongst the voters and public officials themselves, and may bring detrimental implications on the results of the upcoming elections. Whether this incident is politically-motivated or not, we emphasize that every human being has the right to live without fear of harm of violence.

We recognize the swift action and coordination carried out by the law enforcement agencies in the area, particularly the South Upi Police and the Philippine Army to conduct the appropriate investigation on the incident. As of writing, the motive of the perpetrators are yet to be determined.

The Commission reiterates its call for the Philippine government to take the necessary measures which exact accountability from perpetrators of these acts to genuinely curb impunity and address the culture of violence, especially against those engaged in political activities. As a democratic country, we must ensure that every Filipino’s right to a peaceful electoral process and that all local leaders are able to serve their respective communities safely and free from any threat. ###

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[1] Statement of the Commission on Human Rights condemning the series of attacks against barangay officials, 05 March 2024 https://chr.gov.ph/statement-of-the-commission-on-human-rights-condemning-the-series-of-attacks-against-barangay-officials/

[2] Statement of the Commission on Human Rights condemning the series of killings against barangay officials across different localities in the country, 05 April 2024 https://chr.gov.ph/statement-of-the-commission-on-human-rights-condemning-the-series-of-killings-against-barangay-officials-across-different-localities-in-the-country/