ZAMBOANGA CITY—The informant who helped the military in neutralizing a notorious Abu Sayyaf Group leader has received a P1-million cash reward from a group of donors in Sulu, the Western Mindanao Command announced Saturday.
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief, said the tipster received the reward for providing accurate information that led to the death of ASG sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya.
“A reward was voluntarily generated by concerned individuals from Sulu who were elated with the confirmation by the JTF [Joint Task Force] Sulu over Misaya’s death,” Galvez said in a statement.
Army troops killed Misaya in a firefight on April 29 in the town of Indanan, Sulu.
Misaya is a known bomb expert and was involved in the string of bombings that killed an American soldier at the height of the Balikatan Exercises in 2002 in this city.
He was also the primary suspect in the bombing of Salaam Bridge in Barangay Bato-Bato, Indanan, Sulu in 2009, and the 2011 bombing of Dennis Coffee Shop in Barangay San Raymundo, Jolo.
Misaya was also involved in kidnap-for-ransom activities, including the abduction of Japanese Amer Katayama Mamaito and Malaysians Tung Wee Jie and Tung Wee Wei in nearby Sabah, Malaysia, and the abduction of Sugar Dianne Esperanza Buenviaje in Tawi-Tawi.
The military earlier said neutralizing Misaya is “a big blow” to the bandit group, as Galvez urged individuals to help the government fight the terrorists.
“The group, which requested that their identity be kept anonymous, wishes to recognize the assistance extended by the informant to the government troops, as well as encourage other residents of Sulu to do the same,” Galvez said of the reward donors.
“Misaya is one of the targets the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] and PNP [Philippine National Police] had been seriously working on for the past years since the start of his notoriety,” the general added.
The information disclosed by the informant “was crucial in the execution of the combat operation launched by the elements of the Philippine Marines Ready Force-Sulu” against the Abu Sayyaf, leading to the death of Misaya, who was projected as its next potential leader, Galvez said.
“More than anything, I personally thank the asset for the information he has given, and for risking his life. This gesture is truly a manifestation of his love for his home province, Sulu, and his intent of helping the place be free from the terror brought about by the Abu Sayyaf,” he added.
The generals encouraged the Sulu community to report the whereabouts of the remaining Abu Sayyaf members.
“We can surely win this fight against terror, especially that we have newfound supporters who are willing to reward those who will help in this fight,” he added.
Col. Cirilito Sobejana Jr., the Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the crucial information being provided by civilians is vital for their operations.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to the people of Sulu in helping us neutralize a high value target,” Sobejana said.
The task force likewise wanted to recognize the individuals “who generated funds for the reward. It is obvious that majority of the Suluanons already wish to have a peaceful and progressive province,” he said.
Rear Adm. Rene Medina, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, said the cooperation among the community members and the military is needed in making the Abu Sayyaf irrelevant.
“These achievements wouldn’t have been possible if not for the cooperation between the local government and the Fleet-Marine Team in Sulu. On our part, we will continue these efforts until they all surrender, so we can finally put an end to these lawless activities in this area,” he said.