Boratong reward raised to P2M

The Philippine National Police (PNP) raised from P500,000 to P2 million yesterday the reward money for the capture of Muslim trader Amin Imam Boratong, the alleged operator of the dismantled shabu "tiangge" in Pasig City.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Calderon decided to raise the reward money for the capture of Boratong, who is considered a threat to national security, to encourage the public to take a more active role in the arrest of the suspect.

The PNP strongly believes Boratong is still involved in drug trafficking activities in areas of Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao under the protection of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The police Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force (AIDSOTF) claimed Boratong and his wife, Mimie, are in hiding at one of the MILF enclaves in Lanao del Sur.

The raising of the reward money, however, still needs the final approval of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno.

Earlier, Puno offered a P500,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Boratong, who according to government witness, Samer Palao, was behind the operation of the shabu tiangge in Pasig.

Puno also offered a reward of P300,000 for the arrest of Boratong’s second wife, Sheryl Molera.

It was Ilocos Norte Rep. Roque Ablan who recommended the raising of the reward money to P2 million.

"The increase of the reward may encourage a more active community participation toward the arrest of Amin," AIDSOTF commander Director Marcelo Ele Jr. said in a letter to Calderon dated Sept. 18.

Ablan also urged President Arroyo to intervene in the investigation of Boratong’s drug peddling activities.

The shabu tiangge located on F. Soriano street, Sito Mapayapa, was raided by combined elements of AIDSOTF, Pasig City police and Special Action Force (SAF) last Feb. 10.

Boratong and Sheryl were among the more than 300 people charged for maintaining a drug den, and other charges before the Pasig City court.

Last July 11, Judge Abraham Boreta, of the Pasig City RTC issued a warrant of arrest against Boratong and his second wife.

Palao, who claimed he was the right-hand man of Boratong, surfaced last June 10 and revealed to police the extent of his former boss’ drug peddling activities. He also revealed that 22 policemen were in the payroll of Boratong.

The trader has denied being behind the operations of the shabu tiangge, saying Palao was responsible for converting the lot he purchased last August 2005 into a drug compound. — Non Alquitran