Maguindanao del Sur: The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) operatives arrested the incumbent mayor of South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur, and his wife for their alleged involvement in the killing of a vice mayor in August last year.

According to Philippines News Agency, CIDG Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III stated that South Upi Mayor Reynalbert Insular and his wife, Janet, were apprehended on Tuesday in Barangay Making, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte. This arrest followed the issuance of a warrant by the Cotabato City, Maguindanao Regional Trial Court Branch 27 on May 19, which charged the couple with murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder.

The charges stem from an incident on August 2, 2024, when South Upi Vice Mayor Roldan Benito and his security aide, Weng Marcos, were killed in an ambush in Sitio Linao in Barangay Pandan. The attack also left Benito's wife and their 11-year-old child with gunshot wounds.

Following a comprehensive investigation, the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) filed criminal complaints against 12 individuals, including Mayor Insular and his wife, accusing them of masterminding the ambush.

Maj. Gen. Torre emphasized the CIDG's commitment to apprehending fugitives, urging the other accused to surrender. "Rest assured that your CIDG is relentless in its fight against wanted persons and fugitives and steadfast in implementing the law. We urge the other accused to surrender to the CIDG and/or other authorities. The CIDG is dauntless, the CIDG means business," Torre stated.