Manila: Twenty-one informants received more than PHP4.1 million in cash rewards from the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday. Wearing full-face masks to protect their identities, the informants were handed their rewards in sealed plastic envelopes one by one during a ceremony led by PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and other senior officials at Camp Crame.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP Director for Intelligence Maj. Gen. Wilson Joseph Lopez stated that the monetary rewards came from the agency's intelligence fund and were released with approval from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). He added that the information shared by the 21 tipsters led to the arrest of individuals involved in various heinous crimes, including murder, rape, and other serious offenses.

The highest reward, amounting to PHP1 million, was awarded to a lone informant whose tip led to the arrest of Hanelyn Cespedes, who is facing charges for terrorism financing. Another informant received PHP450,000 for information that resulted in the arrest of Jonathan Rejale, who faces two counts of murder, as well as charges for kidnapping and serious illegal detention for ransom.

PNP chief Nartatez emphasized the importance of citizen involvement in law enforcement. "By simply sharing information, you have helped prevent harm, protect lives, and strengthen the fight against crime. This is proof that every citizen has a role in maintaining peace," Nartatez stated. He encouraged the continuation and strengthening of this partnership, which he described as a relationship based on trust, cooperation, and joint vigilance.

Nartatez also assured the public that all arrests carried out by the PNP are lawful, emphasizing the adherence to police operational procedures for arrest procedures and the basis for the arrest.