Informant in Madlos’ slay receives P7.8 million reward

MANILA, Philippines — The man who provided the military information that resulted in the neutralization of New People’s Army (NPA) leader Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos four months ago has received a P7.8-million reward.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana handed over the money to alias Ricky during a recent visit at the camp of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID) in Cagayan de Oro City along with Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Andres Centino.

Madlos was killed in an encounter with troopers of the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade on Oct. 30 in Barangay Dumalaguing, Impasugong, Bukidnon.

The amount was put up since year 2000 by the Department of National Defense and the Department of the Interior and Local Government as reward to any individual who could provide information that would lead to the arrest of Madlos, according to Maj. Francisco Garello Jr., public affairs office chief of the 4th ID.

Madlos was considered as one of the most wanted leaders of the communist movement.

Aside from being the spokesman for the rebels, he was chief of the NPA’s national operations command and member of the central committee-execom/politburo, Garello said.

Lorenzana congratulated “Ricky” for his bravery and for trusting the government despite the possible danger and risk to his life.

In a statement, 4th ID commander Brig. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag cited the informant for his action, saying he “brought significant impact” on the government’s  anti-insurgency campaign.