PNP offers P.25 million each for 112 massacre suspects

 MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said they are ready to reward informants P250,000 for each of the 112 suspects in Maguindanao massacre still at large.

Verzosa said the reward was approved by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) through a circular order.

Verzosa said the offer has been transmitted to police units and various law enforcement agencies that will help in the manhunt for the suspects in the massacre of 57 people on Nov. 23, 2009.

“We have funds for that and the PNP is mandated base on the operational and law enforcement plan,” according to Verzosa, citing the DILG’s approval of the reward amounting to P27.9 million last June 29.

The police said from the 112 suspects, 16 have been identified to be members of the local police and 96 were members of the civilian volunteers led by prime suspect Andal Ampatuan Jr.  

Verzosa assured that the bounty will not cause the use of fall guys citing that background checking will be carefully provided before any release of the bounty.

“What is important here is the immediate arrest of the suspects who remain at large so that they can be brought to the proper bar of justice,” Verzosa said.