Manila: A total of PHP200,000 cash reward has been announced by the Philippine National Police (PNP) for anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of a suspect involved in the killing of two police operatives during an anti-illegal drug operation in Bulacan on March 8.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP spokesperson and Police Regional Office-Central Luzon (PRO-3) chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo emphasized the force's commitment to finding justice for Staff Sergeants Dennis Cudiamat and Gian George Dela Cruz from the Bocaue Municipal Police Station. The PRO-3 is actively pursuing a manhunt to locate a suspect known as alias Xander, while his brother Dado has already been apprehended in a follow-up operation.

Brig. Gen. Fajardo noted that the PRO-3 has offered a PHP100,000 reward, which has been matched by the local government unit of Bocaue, as per the Provincial Director of Bulacan. This incentive is aimed at gathering information on alias Xander's whereabouts to facilitate his swift arrest. Fajardo appealed to the public for cooperation to aid in the immediate apprehension of the suspect still at large.

The incident occurred when Cudiamat and Dela Cruz were executing an operation in Sitio Tugatog, NIA Road in Barangay Tambubong, where gunmen opened fire on them. Cudiamat died on the scene from a gunshot wound to the head, and Dela Cruz succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

The PNP has assured the families of the deceased officers that justice will be pursued rigorously. Brig. Gen. Fajardo stated that the PNP will not rest until those responsible for the attack are brought to justice, reinforcing the commitment to uphold the law against such violence.

The PNP expressed its condolences to the families of the fallen officers and pledged support during this challenging time, honoring the officers' dedication and sacrifice in serving the public.