AFP awards P19.25-M reward to 10 tipsters

MANILA, Philippines - The military on Monday handed over P19.25-million in reward money to informants instrumental in the killing and arrests of key terrorists and communist rebels.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the tips provided by the informants resulted in the capture or killing of seven leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) and three leaders of the Abu Sayyaf.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista led the awarding of cash to 10 tipsters at the General Headquarters Conference Room in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Among the communist insurgents who were captured is Danilo Benjamin Mendoza, who had a bounty of P5.6-million on his head.

Mendoza, also known by the alias “Rolly Panesa” was the secretary of the NPA Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee. He was captured during an operation of Army and police personnel in Quezon City last year.

Other insurgents who were captured due to the informants’ reports were Felimon Mendrez with a P5.25 million bounty, Jesus Abetria (P2.5 million), Allie Tafalla (P750,000) and Alvin Orpiada (P550,000).

Teofila Buralo, who had a P1.2 million bounty, was killed while Lawina Salibulan, who had been assigned the same amount, surrendered.

The Abu Sayyaf bandits who were captured were Abdurasad Musad with a P1-million bounty; Jaid Jawalon (P600,000) and bomber Daud Rahim (P600,000).

The reward system for wanted terrorists was launched in 2001 while the one for insurgents was activated in 2006.

The program, which is being implemented by the Joint Rewards Valuation Committee of the military and police, encourages the public to join the drive against insurgency and terrorism.

A total of 227 Abu Sayyaf bandits and 276 NPA members have been included in the rewards list. More than P205 million has been awarded to tipsters since 2001.