Bounty for Negros cop killers’ arrest now P6 M

President Duterte has raised the reward anew for information leading to the arrest of the killers of four police officers in Negros Oriental on July 18.

“Give to me his head. As of now, it’s P6 million,” the President said in his speech before newly promoted police officials on Thursday.

“Kung dalhin mo ‘yang ulo dito sa harap ko... dito, ipakita mo sa akin, diyan sa media,” the President said, referring to the killer. Duterte said he would give the reward regardless if a police officer or a civilian would get the assailants.

Cpl. Relebert Beronio as well as Patrolmen Raffy Callao, Roel Caballon and Marqiuno de Leon were reportedly tortured before they were executed by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in front of villagers in Barangay Mabato, Ayungon on July 18.

The police officers were among 21 people shot dead in Negros Oriental from July 18 to 28.

Duterte said he also wants to review the affidavit of a certain Jojo Torres, 19, who was arrested on Aug. 4, in connection with the incident.

Police said a witness surfaced and pointed to Torres as among the perpetrators of the killing after the President raised the bounty to P5 million.

Another suspect was arrested shortly after Torres was collared.

Duterte offered a reward of P1 million when he visited the wake of the police officers. He offered another P300,000 during his State of the Nation Address, raised it to P3 million after several days, and then to P5 million.

The Chief Executive said he would not mind raising the reward to up to P50 million if NPA rebels would turn against their leaders and kill them.