TACLOBAN CITY (UPDATED) - The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Interior and Local Government are offering a P1 million reward for any person who can help identify and arrest those behind the killing last April 30 of Calbayog City Mayor Reynaldo Uy.
Uy was killed while attending a fiesta celebration in Hinabangan town, Samar province. In a press conference, Police Regional Director of Eastern Visayas Chief Supt. Arnold Revilla showed to members of the media the composite sketch of the 2 suspects who were identified by some witness interviewed by the Criminal Investigation and Division Group (CIDG). "President Benigno Aquino III expressed concern about the case and advised us to offer the rewards for the arrest of the suspects of killing Mayor Uy," he said.
Aquino paid respects to Uy on Thursday morning at the Calbayog City Sports Complex. "We should hold the perpetrator so that we could determine the real motives behind [the killing],"Revilla said. When DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo visited, he ordered the PNP in Eastern Visayas to conduct a speedy investigation into the case of Uy. A special Task Force Uy, led by Senior Supt. Edgar Basbas, will conduct the investigation.
"The reward will be given to any person who can furnish information regarding the true identity of the suspect," Basbas said. PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo also visited the region the other day and conducted an occular inspection at the crime scene where Uy was shot by undentified suspects. Balaczo sought immediate justice for the victims. Bacalzo also monitored the implementation of the suspension of permit to carry firearms that is being implemented in Samar as part of the pro-active meassures ordered by Robredo to prevent violence after the death of Uy. Revilla said they are taking steps to ensure peace and order in the whole province of Samar. Aside from the P1-million-peso incentive, Robredo announced a P200,000 reward for anyone who can identify the killers of Uy.
The mayor of Hinabangan town is also offering a P100,000 reward. Revilla has directed all police chiefs in the region to review their policy guidelines in providing security to government officials and high-risk private individuals. Uy, provincial chairman of the Liberal Party, was shot during an invocation of the fiesta celebration in Hinabangan town in Samar on the night of April 30.
He was brought to Divine Word Hospital/St. Paul's Hospital, but died while undergoing treatment.
Aside from Uy, Board Member Babalcon who was standing beside Uy was also wounded during the incident, but is now in good condition.
