2 tipsters get P5.9-M reward for info on Abus

MANILA, Philippines - Two civilian informants have received P5.9 million as reward for providing information leading to the killing and arrest of Abu Sayyaf bandits tagged in kidnappings in Mindanao.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Ricardo Visaya handed over the cash reward to the informants in a ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday afternoon.

One of the informants got P5.3 million and the other P600,000.

The two were instrumental in the killing of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Sihatra Muallan Asmad, alias Latip, and arrest of Suhud Yakan, alias Ben Yasser, in May 2014.

Asmad was tagged in the kidnapping of foreign tourists and resort workers in Sabah, Malaysia in 2000 and members of a religious group in Patikul, Sulu in August of the same year. 

Records showed Asmad was facing six counts of kidnapping and illegal detention cases. A P5.3-million bounty was offered for his capture.

Yakan was tagged in the kidnapping and killing of plantation workers in Lamitan Basilan in 2001.

A P600,000 cash reward was offered for Yakan’s arrest. He was captured on May 23, 2014.

“The reward system was established on June 12, 2001 to encourage civilians to help the govenment neutralize terrorists and thwart any threat to peace and stability,” Visaya said.

Rody visits wounded soldiers

Meanwhile, President Duterte yesterday visited 12 soldiers who were wounded in a recent firefight with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu.

Duterte awarded merit medals to the soldiers who were confined at the AFP Station Hospital at Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo.

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, said ground commanders briefed the President on the operations to rescue 16 Abu Sayyaf hostages. 

Duterte gave each soldier a P100,000 check, P10,000 in cash and, .45-caliber pistol.

Tan said fter the Jolo visit, the President would proceed to Zamboanga City to honor eight other soldiers confined at Camp Navarro General Hospital. – With Roel Pareño