Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) gave monetary rewards amounting to PHP9.2 million to 21 confidential informants, whose tips led to the arrest of 21 wanted persons across the country. Wearing full-face masks to maintain anonymity, the informants received their cash rewards in plastic envelopes in a ceremony led by PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and other top officials at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
According to Philippines News Agency, the monetary rewards came from the agency's intelligence fund, and their allocations were approved by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Nartatez emphasized the importance of community cooperation in the arrest of wanted persons and reiterated that the reward funds are a way of giving back to those who support law enforcement efforts. "This will greatly help ang ating organisasyon (our organization). Tulong-tulong yan para ma-account and arrest itong ating mga fugitives (We're helping each other to account for and arrest all our fugitives)," Nartatez told reporters.
The information sheet from the PNP detailed that the rewards included PHP2.99 million for the arrest of seven persons wanted for murder; PHP840,000 for the arrest of six persons wanted for rape; PHP1.35 million for the arrest of two persons wanted for syndicated estafa; PHP245,000 for the arrest of two persons wanted for violation of Republic Act (RA) 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act; PHP765,000 for the arrest of a person wanted for violation of RA 9516, which pertains to the illegal trade of explosives, and RA 10591 or the Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act; and PHP250,000 for the arrest of a person wanted for robbery with multiple homicide.
Furthermore, a Department of National Defense (DND) - DILG joint order authorized a PHP2.83 million reward for the arrest of two more persons, who were allegedly members of a communist terrorist group, wanted for murder. Nartatez assured the public that all arrests carried out by the PNP are lawful and in accordance with police operational procedures.
In other developments, Nartatez commented on the status of gaming tycoon Atong Ang, the alleged mastermind behind the disappearance, kidnapping, and killing of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts. Despite reports of Ang leaving the country, Nartatez stated there is a strong possibility that he is still in the Philippines. Ang is currently facing non-bailable charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention, with a PHP20 million reward offered for information leading to his arrest. Twenty of his co-accused have already been taken into government custody.
