4 informers get P1.6-M reward for Abu arrests

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The military formally handed over yesterday a total of P1.6 million in cash rewards to four civilian informers who helped authorities capture a leader and five members of the extremist Abu Sayyaf last year.

Bulk of the cash rewards — P1.15 million — went to one of the informers who provided information leading to the arrest of Abu Sayyaf leader Ali Asmad Malayon, alias Ali Malabon and Sakib Jadjurin, in this city’s wharf last year.

The three other informers received a cash reward of P150,000 each for the separate arrests of five Abu Sayyaf members in Basilan, Sulu and this city, also last year.

"The only message this event can tell us is that no one can really escape from the long arm of the law," said Col. Pedro Biasbas, chief of staff of the Armed Forces’ Southern Command based here, who handed over the cash rewards. — Roel Pareño