MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) awarded more than PHP4.1 million in cash rewards to 21 informants who provided intelligence that led to the arrest of individuals involved in serious crimes.

The informants, whose identities were concealed, wore full-face masks during the ceremony at Camp Crame and received their rewards in sealed envelopes presented one by one by PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and other senior officials.

“Today’s ceremony is something essential in law enforcement. Sa simpleng pagbabahagi ng impormasyon nakatulong kayo sa pag-iwas sa kapahamakan at pagprotekta ng buhay at papatibay laban sa krimen ito ay patunay bawat mamamayan ay may papel sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan (By simply sharing information, you have helped prevent harm, protect lives, and strengthen the fight against crime. This is proof that every citizen has a role in maintaining peace),” Nartatez said.

“As we move forward, let this continue and strengthen this partnership – isang ugnayan nakabatay sa tiwala kooperasyon at sama-sama pagbabantay (a relationship based on trust, cooperation and joint vigilance). Together lets us uphold police service upholds the public trust,” he added.

PNP Intelligence Director Maj. Gen. Wilson Joseph Lopez said the rewards came from the agency’s intelligence fund and were approved by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

He said the information provided by the informants led to the arrest of suspects involved in crimes including murder, rape, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention.

The highest reward, PHP1 million, was given to an informant whose tip led to the arrest of Hanelyn Cespedes, who is facing charges for terrorism financing. Another informant received PHP450,000 after information led to the arrest of Jonathan Rejale, who is facing multiple charges including two counts of murder and kidnapping for ransom.

Nartatez assured the public that all arrests conducted by the police follow legal procedures.

“We have police operational procedures for arrest procedures and basis for the arrest,” he said.