10 AFP informants get P22 million in cash rewards

MANILA, Philippines - The military yesterday handed over a total of P22 million to 10 individuals who had provided information that led to the arrest or death of key terrorists and communist rebels.

The tipsters, who wore masks to hide their identities, received their reward in a ceremony held at the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence multipurpose hall at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa said the reward was intended to recognize the efforts of concerned individuals who help security forces ensure public safety.

“The monetary reward is a recognition and appreciation of their (tipsters’) bravery in helping curb criminality,” Dellosa said.

“The AFP continues with its intelligence-driven and focused military operations to neutralize threats to our democratic and free institutions with the help of selfless civilians,” he added.

AFP deputy chief for intelligence Maj. Gen. Francisco Cruz Jr. presided over the awarding ceremony.

The tipster who had provided information on the whereabouts of Abu Sayyaf leader Ghumbahali Jumdail alias Dr. Abu received the biggest reward of P7.4 million.

Jumdail is one of the terrorists who were killed in an air raid launched by the military last February.

He was a Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf leader charged with 21 counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Jumdail was tagged in kidnappings in Palawan in 2001 and Sipadan, Malaysia in 2000.

The AFP also rewarded informants who helped in the killing of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Suhud Tanadjalin (P3.3 million); Abu Sayyaf members Usman Said alias Kaiser Said (P1.2 million), Imbo Bayani alias Sahibul Jamaani (P350,000), Harun Jaljalis (P350,000), and Assan Bin Laden alias Abu Usana (P350,000).

Tipsters who helped in the capture of Abu Sayyaf members Burrong Rasul Barro, Rommel Abbas alias Abu Nick and Samsudin Musa received P350,000 each.

The military also rewarded informants who assisted in tracking down key members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

The tipster who helped security forces arrest NPA leader Alan Jazmines alias Tomas and Arthur received P5.6 million.

Jazmines, a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ Central Committee, was nabbed by authorities in Baliuag, Bulacan last Feb. 14. He is facing at least 14 cases of murder.

The CPP, however, claimed that Jazmines is one of its peace consultants and should be immune from arrest.

Also rewarded were the informants who provided information that led to the killing of NPA member Robertson Anchez alias Stanley and the capture of rebel Edgardo Sevilla alias Palong and Diego. The informants received P1.2 million each.

The reward system encourages individuals to participate in the government’s drive against insurgency and terrorists.

The reward system for wanted terrorists was launched on June 12, 2001 while the one for insurgents was activated in October 2007.