Bounty upped for the capture of those

involved in Ayungon police murders
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Despite Philippine National Police (PNP) Director-General Oscar Albayalde earlier affirming there would be no declaration of Martial Law in Negros Oriental amid recent events that have left several dead, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said they are presently considering the declaration of Martial Law in the province.
However, the AFP stated there has been no formal recommendation forwarded and they are currently consulting the province’s local chief executives.
Earlier, Albayalde ordered an augmentation force to Negros by sending 300 members of the PNP Special Action Force.
The PNP chief also ordered the relief of Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office director, Police Colonel Raul Tacaca, in order to give way to an impartial probe over possible lapses committed amid the recent killings.
Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte has upped the reward for information leading to the identification and capture of the New People’s Army (NPA) insurgents responsible for the murder of four police officers Ayungon, Negros Oriental, raising the bounty from P1 million to P5 million.
In a statement forwarded by Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, an additional P100,000 will also be given for the suspects’ capture. He further stated Duterte gave a stern warning to the rebels, accusing them of exploiting land disputes in Negros Oriental./DGB, WDJ