NINE private citizens who provided the Philippine National Police (PNP) with accurate information that led to the capture of the same number of the country’s most wanted persons on Friday received a total of P9.960 million in reward money from PNP Director for Intelligence, Major General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr.

In behalf of PNP chief, General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr., the country’s top spook handed over the cash reward to the nine informants who were asked to wear appropriate protective attire and ski masks to conceal their identity and protect them from possible reprisals from criminal elements.

Maj. Gen. Acorda said the nine provided vital information which led to the arrest of most wanted New People’s Army (NPA) leader Alfred Mapano and Jennelyn Ayon, Ernesto Agbayani, Andami Singklala, Oscar Corpuz, Richard Allado, Nike Jakosalem, Datu Harris Ampatuan and Rodrigo Rafael Jr.

The last eight were long wanted for major criminal offenses including murder, rape, car theft, attempted murder, frustrated murder and qualified theft, said the official.

The official gave the monetary reward to the nine during ceremonies held at the PNP Intelligence Training Group headquarters in Camp Crame.

Maj. Gen. Acorda 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.

Early this month, the PNP-DI head also gave more than P1.8 million in reward money to 13 tipsters.

Maj. Gen. Acorda said the information provided by the 13 led to the arrest of the same number of persons wanted for involvement in heinous crimes ranging from murder, rape, forcible abduction with rape, multiple frustrated murder, and multiple attempted murder.

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.

Last November, the PNP-DI also handed over a total of P3,705,000 in cash reward to 25 informants who provided the police force with information that led to the arrest of 22 of the country’s most wanted persons as well as three rogue policemen involved in illegal drug activities and facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The other 22 suspects were wanted for murder, homicide, rape, large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa, robbery with homicide and arson.