The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has handed over the P2.2 million reward money for the informants who relayed information to authorities on the whereabouts of the last two Abu Sayyaf bandits in Bohol who were later on killed by government troops.
Lieutenant Col. Eufracio Malig, commander of the 47th Infantry Battalion, told the Chronicle that the money was given to the tipsters in Camp Bernido in Tagbilaran City on Friday.
The official turnover was led by 302nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Arnulfo Matanguihan and witnessed by Gov. Edgar Chatto, Capitol official Liza Quirog, Calape Mayor Nelson Yu, Bohol Provincial Police Office director Sr. Supt. Felipe Natividad and Malig.
Of the amount, the P2 million was given by the Office of the President, while the P200,000 came from the provincial government.
Pres. Duterte right after the initial clash between the militant group and government troops on April 11, offered P1 million for information that would lead to the capture of each Abu Sayyaf bandit in the province.
The military kept the identities of the reward recipients for security purposes.
On May 15, government security forces gunned down “Abu Ubayad” and “Abu Asis” in Pangangan Island, Calape.
Both men who are believed to be the last remnants of the band of Abu Sayyaf men who entered Bohol last month were in possession of an M16 rifle and a .45 caliber pistol during the deaths.
Abu and Asis were buried in Calape’s municipal cemetery a day after they were killed. (Rey Tutas)