Benjamin Magalong
Mayor
Baguio City
About
Benjamin Bañez Magalong (born December 15, 1960) is a Filipino politician and retired police officer who has served as the Mayor of Baguio City since 2019. Before entering politics, he spent 38 years in the Philippine National Police (PNP), retiring with the rank of Police Deputy Director General as the PNP’s Deputy Chief for Operations.
Career Timeline
Academic Foundation and Early Life
Magalong completed his secondary education at Saint Louis University (SLU) in Baguio City before a brief stint in college led him to the military.
Graduating Magna Cum Laude from PMA
Benjamin Magalong graduated as part of the "Sandigan" Class of 1982 from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).
Defection during the 1986 People Power Revolution
Then-Lieutenant Magalong was the first officer in the Cordillera region to defect from the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. during the EDSA Revolution.
Quelling the 2005 Bicutan Siege
Magalong led the Special Action Force (SAF) assault to retake Camp Bagong Diwa from insurgent inmates.
The "Kevlar Helmet" Memento
Magalong keeps a bullet-damaged Kevlar helmet in his office as a personal reminder of the fragility of life.
Detention for Alleged 2006 Coup Attempt
Magalong was detained and imprisoned for three months for his alleged involvement in a coup attempt against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Peacekeeping and GIS-Based Crime Mapping Initiative
As Chief of the Police Regional Office Cordillera (PRO-COR), Magalong developed a pioneering GIS-based system to track crimes and hazards.
Mamasapano Board of Inquiry Report
As Chairman of the PNP Board of Inquiry (BOI), Magalong released a report detailing the lapses in "Oplan Exodus" in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
Corporate Career at SteelAsia Manufacturing Corp.
Following his retirement from the PNP, Magalong served as the Senior Vice President for Operations of SteelAsia, one of the largest steel manufacturers in Asia.
Conferment of the 2017 Outstanding Citizen of Baguio Award
Before entering politics, Magalong was recognized by his hometown for his distinguished 38-year service in the PNP and his contributions to peace and order.
Appointment to the PNOC Board of Directors
Magalong was appointed by the President to the Board of Directors of the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC).
"Ninja Cops" Senate Testimony
Mayor Magalong testified before the Senate regarding "ninja cops" involved in the recycling of seized illegal drugs.
Implementation of the Baguio Smart City Project
Mayor Magalong launched the Baguio Smart City Command Center, integrating various technologies to improve disaster management, traffic control, and public safety.
Irrevocable Resignation as Contact Tracing Czar
Magalong resigned from his national post following a protocol breach at a social event in Baguio City.
Launch of the "Good Governance: Get Involved" Movement
Magalong transformed his campaign slogan into a city-wide movement promoting transparency and fighting corruption in local bureaucracy.
Launch of SIGLAT Youth Innovation Hub
Magalong inaugurated the country’s first youth innovation hub in Baguio City, providing tech-equipped spaces for robotics, AI, and creative arts.
Personal Interests and Physical Fitness
Throughout his civilian life, Magalong has maintained a rigorous lifestyle as a multi-disciplined athlete, being a boxer, scuba diver, and parachutist.
Launch of the Baguio Electronic Waste Collection Facility
Magalong inaugurated the region's first dedicated e-waste facility in Barangay Bakakeng Central.
ASEAN Clean Tourist City Hall of Fame Induction
Baguio City became the first city in the Philippines to be inducted into the ASEAN Tourism Standards Hall of Fame.
Abandonment of Waste-to-Energy Incineration Project
Magalong officially abandoned a planned waste-to-energy incineration project in favor of sustainable, zero-waste alternatives.
Recipient of the 2024 Digital Excellence Award
Baguio City was honored with the Digital Excellence Award in the Public Sector Category for its successful push toward a cashless and digital-first economy.
Appointment as Special Adviser to the Independent Commission on Infrastructure
President Bongbong Marcos appointed Magalong as a Special Adviser to a newly formed independent body tasked with investigating anomalies in the country's flood control projects.
Exposing the DPWH "Ghost" Flood Control Projects Scandal
Mayor Benjamin Magalong testified that corruption in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control projects is "widespread, systemic, and highly organized," alleging that billions in funds were lost to "ghost" projects and kickbacks.
Resignation as Special Adviser to the Independent Commission
Magalong resigned from his position in the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) just weeks after his appointment, citing a demanding schedule and a desire to focus on Baguio City.
No political history available.