SOME concerned citizens in Negros Island are offering up to P20 million in reward money for any individual who could give information that could lead to the surrender or death of rebels and terrorists.
Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, commander of 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said the informant would get the money if the military becomes successful in neutralizing these lawless elements.
These include the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, Mindanao-based extremists and terrorists, private armed groups and other groups that own high-powered firearms.
He said the reward is P100,000 for each person, dead or alive.
While Aying didn’t disclose the identities of the benefactors, he said these people are only concerned about the safety of Negros Island.
He said they are capable of paying up to P20 million, or P100,000 for 200 rebels or terrorists.
Currently, there are about 200 rebel forces in Negros Island.
Aying, however, said that all information will be subjected to validation.
“We have to be very sure that those subjective to the information are all members of the NPA,” he said, adding that they should be bona fide “hardened” rebel forces.
“Rebels who are with the NPA for just one year can’t be considered as member yet. They’re like part-time,” Aying said.
He reiterated the call of the government to the rebel forces to return to the mainstream society.
The Army official said the government will provide resettlement sites, livelihood programs, and the returnees could keep their firearms.
“I have a strong trust that the government is capable in doing social, economic, and constitutional reforms,” Aying added.