AN INFORMANT has received P1 million cash reward for providing timely information that led to the death of an Abu Sayyaf leader in the island province of Sulu.
Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, turned over on Friday afternoon the cash reward to the informant at the Laong Laan Hall of Westmincom headquarters.
Galvez said the informant, whose identity was withheld, has provided information that led to the death of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya in a clash with government troops last April 29, in the village of Silangkan, Indanan, Sulu.
“A reward was voluntarily generated by concerned individuals from Sulu who were elated of the confirmation by the JTF Sulu of Misaya's death,” Galvez said on Saturday.
“The group who requested that their identity be kept anonymous, wish to recognize the assistance extended by the informant to the government troops as well as encourage other residents of Sulu to do the same,” Galvez added.
Misaya, a bomb expert, was involved in the October 2002 Malagutay bombing that killed U.S. serviceman, Sgt. Mark Jackson and the wounding of 23 others including another U.S. serviceman; the January 2009 bombing of the Salaam Bridge in Barangay Bato-Bato, Indanan, Sulu; the July 2010 abduction of Japanese Amer Katayama Mamaito, a herbalist and treasure hunter in Barangay Bangkilay, Pangutaran, Sulu; the March 2011 bombing of Dennis Coffee Shop in Barangay San Raymundo, Jolo, Sulu which killed four people and wounded 11 others; the November 2012 abduction of Malaysians Tung Wee Jie and Tung Wee Wei in Tungko, Sabah; and, the February 2014 abduction of Sugar Dianne Esperanza Buenviaje in Barangay Liyubud, Mapun, Tawi-Tawi.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to the people of Sulu in helping us neutralize a high value target,” Sobejana said.
“We also would like to recognize the generosity of certain individuals who generated funds for the reward. It is obvious that majority of the Suluanons already wish to have a peaceful and progressive province,” Sobejana added.
“These achievements wouldn't have been possible if not for the cooperation between the local government and the Fleet-Marine Team in Sulu. On our part, we will continue these efforts until they all surrender so we can finally put an end to these lawless activities in this area,” Medina said.