P100K reward offered, persons of interest identified in ex-NIA employee's killing

A P100,000 reward  is being offered for information that will lead to the capture of the people behind the killing of a former employee of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Cagayan de Oro City, according to the police on Tuesday.

“The NIA has also offered a PhP100,000 reward to encourage the public’s cooperation and support in identifying and apprehending those responsible,” the Police Region Office 10 (PRO 10) said in a statement. 

“We assure everyone that all information shared will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” it added.

The PRO 10 advised those who have information to reach the police at 0997 344 4634.

According to police, persons of interest have already been identified. 

“Maganda dito, meron tayong mga persons of interest na tinitingnan. And we are confident that as soon as possible we will resolve this case,” PRO 10 chief Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano told reporters.

(It's good that we have persons of interest under investigation. And we are confident that as soon as possible we will resolve this case.)

The PRO 10 said a dedicated team of detectives has been assigned to handle the case for a more thorough investigation. 

“We are also in close coordination with other law enforcement agencies, including the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the NIA, to ensure that all possible leads are carefully examined and developed,” it said.

“We are currently pursuing a lead that could help establish the identities of the suspects,” it added.

On October 10, NIA's former researcher Niruh Kyle Antatico was shot dead while driving his car in Barangay Patag. Antatico was rushed to the hospital but died later due to severe gunshot wounds.

The motorcycle-riding suspects escaped after the crime.

Investigation revealed the victim had been receiving death threats as early as November 2024.

PRO 10 spokesperson Police Major Joann Navarro earlier said probers are looking into all possible motives for the killing, including personal and work-related factors as well as corruption allegations the victim made.

"We are aware of recent social media posts, raising concerns about certain NIA projects in the region. In response to these concerns, we want to reassure the public that these matters are being handled seriously," PRO 10 earlier said.

"The NIA top management has already initiated a comprehensive review and verification process in collaboration with relevant offices and appropriate authorities. This is not the first time such concerns have been addressed, and the Agency continues to prioritize transparency and accountability in all of its operations," it added. — Joviland Rita/RF, GMA Integrated News