Sunday, December 21, 2008 Army official appeals to traders By Ryan D. Rosauro
ILIGAN CITY -- A military official urged businessmen to help raise the bounty for individuals who can provide information that would lead to the arrest of two alleged rogue Moro rebels.
Colonel Benito de Leon, Commander of the Philippine Army's 104th Infantry Brigade, made the appeal before a joint meeting between the Local Peace and Order Council (POC) and City Disaster Coordinating Council (CDCC), with the special participation of local business leaders.
The special meeting was called in the wake of twin blasts at two department stores in downtown Iligan City Thursday afternoon that killed three people and injured 53 others.
De Leon said people have asked whether the bounty for the capture of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) local leaders Abdullah Macapaar and Ustadz Ameril Umbra Kato could be increased.
Macapaar, better known as Commander Bravo, heads the Lanao command of the MILF which launched the attacks on Kauswagan and Kolambugan in Lanao del Norte last August 18.
Kato heads the rebel group that operates in North Cotabato and figured in skirmishes with government troops in Midsayap.
The Armed Forces accused Macapaar and Kato responsible for launching attacks without consulting the MILF hierarchy, hence branded them as "rogue elements." Both leaders have been in the government's 'Most Wanted Persons' list and each carries a P5 million price tag for arrest.
"I don't know why this (monetary reward) is not enough," De Leon said.
Nevertheless, De Leon exhorted the city's business leaders to consider the need to raise funds to add to the present monetary reward.
De Leon explained a raise in the bounty might just be the key to Bravo and Kato's eventual capture.
De Leon further revealed that people they have talked to pointed out the absence of monetary rewards for Bravo and Kato's sub-commanders, who also play very important roles in maintaining their leadership foothold.
"This also needs to be considered," said De Leon, hinting of the need to review the rewards program for the capture of the two rebel leaders.
