Cash reward awaits Abu tipsters

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines – The provincial government of Sulu will give a cash reward in exchange for information on the Abu Sayyaf bandits, a security official said yesterday.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said information provided by local officials and villagers resulted in the rescue of hostages and encounters with the bandit group.

“Some local officials reward their constituents who can pinpoint the hideout of the Abu Sayyaf and their captives,” Galvez said.

He did not give details on the reward system. He said the effort has been yielding results with the series of encounters and rescue of hostages in the past weeks.

“Local government units are heeding the request of President Duterte to help the military quell attacks by the Abu Sayyaf, especially in Sulu,” Galvez said.

Last week the military, following tips from villagers, clashed with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Talipao town, killing 10 militants and wounding several others.