Duterte increases bounty for 'ninja cops' to P5-M

DAVAO CITY-- President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday increased the reward money for the head of each "ninja cop" to PHP5 million urging them to surrender in 48 hours.

"Ninja cop" are police officers who are part of the operating group of the anti-illicit drugs campaign, but conduct illegal activities like the reselling of confiscated contrabands.

If they do not surrender within 48 hours, the President said he will add PHP1-million more per month "for the head of ninja cops until their wives would find a boyfriend to kill you."

For those who can bring a ninja cop alive, Duterte offered a reward money of PHP10,000. In 2016, the President offered PHP3 million for the head of each "ninja cop."

He made the offer during the Davao City Convention and Mass Oath-Taking of Members of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) on Friday night at SMX Convention Center.

The President said the higher bounty reflects his exasperation that some police officials are still involved in illegal activities.

Duterte also expressed disappointment over the continued corruption in government, the latest of which was the involvement of a Philippine Military Academy (PMA) comptroller who was dismissed for malversation of public funds.

Addressing the policemen, Duterte said: "You better shape up because I will rise and fall on the issue of corruption. Ang police maraming atraso. Sabi ko tama na (The police have many misdemeanors. I told you to stop)," he said.

The President, however, underscored the contribution of many in the police service who are "performing in fulfillment of their mandate." (Lilian C Mellejor/PNA)