NATIONAL defense department and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday gave a total of P7.8 million worth of cash reward to informant who provided government forces with information which led to the neutralization of New People’s Army leader Jorge ‘Ka Oris’ Madlos, a military official said Saturday.
AFP chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana led the ceremony held in Camp Evangelista in Cagayan De Oro City.
Centino and Lorenzana handed the money to the informant, who only identify as a certain "Ricky."
“Aka Ricky's identity and other affiliations were concealed for security reasons,” said Army's 4ID public affairs chief Major Francisco Garello.
Garello said the informant received P7.8 million for provided vital information that led to the neutralization of Madlos in an encounter with the elements of Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade on October 30, 2021 in Dumalaguing, Impasugong, Bukidnon.
Since early 2000, a P7.8 million bounty through the AFP-PNP Joint Order of Reward was placed by DND and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as cash reward to any individual who can provide information that would lead to the arrest of Ka Oris, one of the most wanted fugitive top leader of the NPA.
The reward system was established on June 12, 2001, to encourage civilians to provide vital information needed to neutralize personalities in the rewards list and thwart threats to peace and security.
The system is managed through the AFP-PNP Joint Reward Valuation Committee which is chaired by the AFP deputy chief-of-staff for Intelligence and his PNP counterpart.
Garello said the event highlights the manifestation of the sustained partnership between the populace and the AFP in attaining the shared goal of lasting peace and development for the country.
Alias “Ricky,” was covered with mask all over his face during the awarding right, said Garello.
Garello said the informant was personally congratulated by Lorenzana and Centino for his bravery and in trusting the government despite possible dangers and risk of his life.
“The AFP is grateful to all who came forward notwithstanding their personal risks and provided timely and critical information vital in the neutralization of several high-valued personalities,” according to Centino.
Earlier, Centino said the fight against terrorism and the preservation of peace is a shared responsibility of everyone and people should all do their part in this whole of nation approach towards peace and development.
“This person (Ka Oris) whose continued operation placed peace-loving citizens at greater risk since his groups already responsible for heinous and atrocious crimes committed against our people and the nation," he added.
Meanwhile, Lorenzana hoped that aside from the monetary reward, other civilians would emulate “Ricky” as an act of shared responsibility and commitment to fast track the government’s goal to end the local communist armed conflict.
In a statement, newly assumed 4ID commander Brig. General Wilbur Mamawag, expressed his utmost appreciation to the informant for coming forward and provided vital information that would significantly impact the government’s campaign against the insurgency.
“We all wanted to live in peace. But all of us must contribute our share to attain peace. Hence, I salute the likes of Ricky who stand courageously against the communist group,” Mamawag said.
He said that this also verifies that the support coming from the civilians have altered the balance in an overwhelming favor towards the government and peace partners.
“It is only befitting to reward with due recognition those who partner with us in our vision and aspiration to attain an insurgency free communities for our people.” Mamawag said. (Ben Balce)
