STATEMENTS FOR JUSTICE: On the Killing of South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur Vice Mayor Roldan Benito

CONDEMNATION OF THE BRUTAL KILLING OF SOUTH UPI MAGUINDANAO Del Sur Vice Mayor ROLDAN BENITO

We strongly condemn the heinous and brutal killing of South Upi Maguindanao Del Sur Vice Mayor Roldan Benito, who became the 74th native of Tรซduray and Lambangian to tragically fall victim to such violence in the region.

The tragic loss of Vice Mayor Benito represents not only a profound injustice but also a devastating blow to the indigenous communities he tirelessly represented. His unwavering commitment to seeking justice for his fellow indigenous people serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for accountability and protection of marginalized groups in society.

The senseless violence that claimed Vice Mayor Benito's life highlights the pervasive threat faced by indigenous communities in the region. It is imperative for authorities to swiftly take action to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety and well-being of all indigenous peoples in the area.

As we mourn the loss of Vice Mayor Benito, we stand in unwavering solidarity with the indigenous community, amplifying their calls for justice and peace. Vice Mayor Benito's legacy of advocacy and dedication to his people must not fade away, and his memory will continue to inspire our collective efforts to uphold the rights and dignity of all indigenous communities.

In honor of Vice Mayor Roldan Benito and the countless others who have tragically lost their lives to senseless violence, we unequivocally demand justice, accountability, and respect for the vulnerable and marginalized indigenous peoples. Together, we must strive towards a society where such atrocities have no place, and where all individuals are treated with dignity, equality, and humanity.

#Tร‹DURISE
#IPLIVESMATTER
#JUSTICEforViceROLDAN

TEDURISE: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=899267595563396&set=a.465733558916804

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 NMIPYN: https://www.facebook.com/nmipConvergence19/posts/pfbid031MPTHH2hsUyWUNZ6ECYAVCwmvYppRGgm7L3XXe8vRKqEBgtZBMj2CEnwmf7kQBPDl

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๐’๐ญ๐š๐ญ๐ž๐ฆ๐ž๐ง๐ญ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐‚๐จ๐ง๐๐ž๐ฆ๐ง๐š๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐’๐ž๐ง๐ฌ๐ž๐ฅ๐ž๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐Š๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐“รซ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐š๐ฒ ๐•๐ข๐œ๐ž ๐Œ๐š๐ฒ๐จ๐ซ ๐‘๐จ๐ฅ๐๐š๐ง ๐๐ž๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐จ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐’๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ก ๐”๐ฉ๐ข ๐Œ๐š๐ ๐ฎ๐ข๐ง๐๐š๐ง๐š๐จ ๐ƒ๐ž๐ฅ ๐’๐ฎ๐ซ
 
In my capacity as a Member of Parliament representing the Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), I unequivocally condemn the barbaric and senseless murder of Hon. Roldan Benito, Vice Mayor of South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur, along with his bodyguard Weng Marcos. This inhumane act also resulted in injuries to Hon. Analyn Benito his wife and the Chairwoman of Brgy. Pandan, and traumatized their 13-year-old son, Joseph Mutia and others, during the ambush. I say this with sincere regret and firm resolve.
 
Vice Mayor Roldan Benito was a trusted leader of the Tรซduray people, a dedicated public servant, and a steadfast advocate for peace and inclusive governance. His sudden and tragic death is mourned not only by his family and community but also by the entire province he served with dedication and honor.
 
To guarantee that the perpetrators of this horrible murder are apprehended as soon as possible, I implore the authorities the Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Groups and the Philippine Army under the 57th Infantry Battalion and National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a speedy and comprehensive investigation. It is imperative that we protect the security and safety of our officials and populace and make it abundantly evident that these kinds of violent crimes will not be accepted.
 
I send my sincere sympathies to the families of Vice Mayor Roldan Benito and Weng Marcos during this time of great sorrow. We stand in solidarity with you at this trying time, and our prayers and thoughts are with you. We also hope that everyone hurt in this terrible attack heals quickly.
 
This unfortunate incident emphasizes how urgently our area needs to act as a whole to promote long-term peace and security. Maintaining the rule of law, pursuing justice, and defending the rights and lives of all people—especially the long-oppressed and downtrodden Indigenous Peoples—must be our continued priorities.
 
We demand justice. We demand peace. And we will not rest until those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
 
(SGD) MP FROILYN T. MENDOZA
Member of Parliament

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=459757983534778&set=a.100577136119533 

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RELEASED: August 5,2024

JUSTICE FOR ROLDAN BENITO MOVEMENT

We, the members of the Justice for Roldan Benito Movement demand the speedy conduct of thorough, further investigation on the issues of so many IP killings in BARMM especially the recent brutal Killing of our Indigenous Leader Vice Mayor Roldan Benito, and his security aid Weng Marcos in South Upi Maguindanao del Sur.

We DEMAND JUSTICE, their Action is pure evil, and we strongly condemn this act of evil, Benito and his security aide, Weng Marcos, were killed in an ambush in Barangay Pandan on the afternoon of August 02, 2024. Benito's wife, Analyn F. Benito, who is the Chairwoman of Barangay Pandan, and their 11-year-old daughter were wounded in the attack on the pickup truck they were riding. The South Upi Vice Mayor together with his aide Weng Marcos was killed on the spot.

Calling the attention of all the stakeholders, and duty bearers, please help investigate this case, and give justice to the family including other victims of IP Killing.
1. Office of the President
2. Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity -OPPAPRU
3. Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples
4. Lower House Committee on Indigenous Peoples
5. Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao - Bangsamoro Transition Authority
6. Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao – Bangsamoro Human Rights
8 . Department of Interior and Local Government - DILG
9. Arm Forces of the Philippines - AFP
10. Philippine National Police - PNP
11. Provincial Government of Maguindanao Del Sur

We demand actions not merely statements of condemnation only. JIRBM organized a call to action aimed at demanding accountability for his death and advocating for a safer, more just community for all. Our deepest condolences to his bereaved family.

ROCKY T. BATITAO
Chairman for JRBM Contact number
Contact No. 09061915736

ELMER SAGLAYAN MOISES ALQUIZOLA
Spokesperson
Contact No. 09066939658

 


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