AFP hands over P22-M reward to informants

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday distributed at least P22 million reward money to informants who helped its operatives neutralize members of bandit group Abu Sayyaf and the communist New People's Army (NPA).

AFP deputy chief of staff for intelligence Maj. Gen. Francisco Cruz said that information provided by civilians led to the slaying of Abu Sayyaf leader Ghumbahali Jumdali alias Dr. Abu, who had a P7.4 million bounty on his head.

Jumdail was killed in an air strike in Parang, Sulu last February. Also killed in the operations were 15 known Jemaah Islamiyah and ASG leaders and members.

The location of Jumdail's group was pinpointed by the military through the help of an informant, Cruz said.

The other ASG members neutralized with the help of the reward system were Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Suhud Tanadjalin (killed) with P3.3-million reward; Abu Sayyaf key member Usman Said, alias Kaiser Said (killed) with P1.2-million; and the bandit group members Imbo Bayani alias Sahibul Jamaani (killed), Harun Jaljalis (killed), Assan/Bin Laden, alias Abu Usama (captured), Burrong Rasul Barro, alias Abu Mohammad (captured), Rommel Abbas, alias Abu Nick (captured), and Samsudin Musa, alias Musa (captured) with P350,000 reward each.

One of the three NPA members also neutralized with the help of informants was Allan V. Jazmines alias Tomas/Arthur with P5.6-million reward on his head. He was captured in February last year with 13 standing warrants of arrest for 14 cases of murder.

The two other rebels were Robertson Anchez alias Stanley/Felimon (killed) and Edgardo Sevilla alias Palong/Diego (captured), who each had P1.2-million on their heads for multiple cases of murder, robbery in band, and multiple frustrated murder.

“We recognize the efforts of these concerned individuals who continue to step up in helping the government, the AFP, and the PNP in the campaign to protect our people from the danger posed by terrorists and lawless elements. The monetary reward is a recognition and appreciation of their bravery in helping to curb criminality,” AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa said.

“As we move closer to our 77th Anniversary Celebration, 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 who aspire for peace and safety in their communities,” Dellosa added.