Bounty for Davao village chief’s killers now P4 million

MANILA, Philippines —  The reward money offered in exchange for information that can lead to the arrest of the killers of a village chairman in Digos, Davao del Sur has increased to P4 million from P2 million.

As this developed, the Philippine National Police (PNP) launched a manhunt for the killers of Oscar Bucol, chief of Barangay Tres de Mayo, who was shot dead while live streaming on social media on Tuesday night.

Acting PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez ordered all PNP units, particularly the Davao del Sur police to track down and arrest the suspects.

“We are committed to bringing justice to the victim and his family. I have ordered our operatives to pursue every lead and exhaust all means to locate and arrest those responsible,” Nartatez said in a statement.

The additional P2-million cash reward was provided by Davao Occidental Gov. Claude Bautista and the family of Bucol, who gave P1 million each.

On Wednesday, Vice President Sara Duterte and Davao del Sur Gov. Yvonne Cagas gave P1 million each for the arrest of the killers.

Bucol, reportedly a supporter of Duterte, was broadcasting live on Facebook when he was shot at around 9 p.m. in the garage of his home.

Investigators said they have identified several persons of interest based on statements and names of people that Bucol had posted on his social media account.

Apart from the manhunt, Nartatez ordered police officers to coordinate with local officials to ensure the immediate arrest of the suspects.

Nartatez urged people in Davao to report any information that could help solve Bucol’s murder.

“The safety of the community is our priority. Rest assured, we will not stop until justice is served and the perpetrators are held accountable,” he said. –Evelyn Macairan