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PNP reward system for informants vital in arresting criminals, terrorists

January 29, 2025 Alfred P. Dalizon 147 views

PNPPHILIPPINE National Police (PNP agents have accounted for countless most wanted criminals and terrorists in the country, thanks to its monetary reward program for tipsters, the Journal Group learned yesterday.,

PNP chief, General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil has commended the cooperation of the informants in their campaign to account for most wanted criminals and terrorists.

“This reward program is part of our continuing efforts to build stronger partnerships between the police and the community. We are grateful to the public for their continued support, as it is through their assistance that we can make significant strides in ensuring justice and maintaining peace in our communities,” the top cop said.

The granting of monetary rewards to individuals who assist in the apprehension of wanted criminals, excluding government employees, is part of the PNP’s ongoing efforts to foster community engagement in the fight against criminality and to address security-related threats across the country, said PNP Public Information Office chief, Colonel Randulf T. Tuaño.

He also encouraged the public to report criminal activities and collaborate with law enforcement authorities to ensure a safer environment for all.

Last week, eight men who provided the reliable tips that enabled the PNP to capture nine of the country’s most wanted criminals got a total of P1.595 in reward money from the PNP Directorate for Intelligence.

PNP Director for Intelligence, Major General Westrimundo D. Obinque led the ceremonial handover of the reward money to the eight police informants whose names with withheld for their protection.

These informants provided crucial information that led to the successful arrest of nine individuals included in the PNP’s most wanted list.

The captured fugitives were involved in various heinous crimes such as murder, rape, and homicide.

For their safety and privacy, the reward claimants wore appropriate attire and masks to conceal their identities during the ceremony held at Camp Crame.

Last November 15, a total of nine PNP tipsters also shared the P1.8 million reward from the PNP for providing information that led to the arrest of nine most wanted criminals.

Maj. Gen. Obinque said the information provided by these tipsters resulted in the capture of fugitives involved in serious crimes such as murder, rape, homicide, and illegal possession of firearms.

Bong This initiative demonstrates the PNP’s dedication to collaborating with citizens to ensure the safety and security of the nation, the official added.

The presentation of the cash reward to masked informants is aimed at recognizing their bravery and highlighting the essential role each individual plays in upholding law and order in order to create a much safer environment for all Filipinos, Maj. Gen. Obinque said.

He said the captured criminals, who had long evaded justice, are now facing legal proceedings, marking a significant step forward in the PNP’s campaign against criminality.

Gen. Marbil also emphasized the importance of community collaboration in law enforcement saying the PNP’s monetary reward system is a key component of their strategy to encourage public involvement in addressing security-related threats, serving as both an incentive and a testament to the vital partnership between law enforcement and the community.

In February 2023, the PNP-DI also presented a total of P9.960 million in reward money to nine private citizens who provided the accurate information that led to the capture of the same number of the country’s most wanted.

All tipsters have been made to wear appropriate protective attire and ski masks to conceal their identity and protect them from possible reprisals from criminal elements.

Information provided by PNP tipsters have also led in the capture of most wanted New People’s Army and Abu Sayyaf personalities.

Others were were long wanted for major criminal offenses including murder, rape, car theft, attempted murder, frustrated murder and qualified theft.

Gen. Marbil encouraged the public to continue supporting and helping the PNP by providing information on criminals and/or wanted persons for their immediate arrest.

He said the identities of informants will be kept in utmost secrecy. The official explained that granting of monetary rewards to persons (except government employees) who are instrumental to the arrest, surrender or death on legitimate operations of most wanted persons in the country is one of the PNP programs which has been proven to be effective in accounting for criminals who have long been at-large.

The PNP has its own means of updating the list of Wanted Persons (WPs) and Most Wanted Persons (MWPs) form the National, Regional, District, Provincial, City, Municipal levels and NOSUs (National Operational Units) concerned based on a number of parameters.

The move is meant to set a feasible and attainable target for the arrest of WPs and MWPs and effectively measure the performance of all police offices/units and NOSUs concerned.

It is also aimed at maintaining the established Enhanced e-Warrant that could be easily accessed by police officers/units and NOSUs concerned; fast-track the arrest of WPs and MWPs in order to contribute to the process of criminal justice system to serve the ends of justice; unite and support the efforts of all law enforcement units , agencies and the community in the relentless campaign against wanted persons; enhance coordination and collaboration with local and foreign counterparts; and last but not the least, to further improve the PNP’s Crime Solution Efficiency.

Under the system, officials study the gravity of the crime committed by the accused and can place his name in the MWP list if the crime is heinous, has become sensational and there are at least two victims.

Police are also studying the notoriety of the accused and are looking at the degree of his/her involvement in the crime, either by being the principal accused, an accomplice or an accessory. Another parameter is that the accused is a habitual/delinquent offender and/or recidivist; has more than on outstanding warrant of arrest; and with a recommended bail of P100,000 and above, including those with no bail recommended.

A reward money can also be put up for the arrest of a mastermind or one who is occupying a sensitive position in the organized crime gang’s scope of operation and impact to security, peace and order in the areas; operates in one or more regions that will qualify him to become a National MWP; or a Regional, Provincial, District and Municipal MWP.

At present, PNP units including the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Intelligence Group, Highway Patrol Group, Anti-Kidnapping Group, Aviation Security Group, Maritime Group and Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group have been given the task to assist the 17 Police Regional Offices in accounting for wanted criminals in the country.

However, these units have been instructed to ensure that the rule of law and respect for human rights are always observed in arresting wanted persons.

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