BACOLOD CITY — The Philippine Army's 79th Infantry Battalion announced that it has raised to P500,000 the reward money for the arrest of New People's Army hitman Roger Fabillar, one of the suspects in the killing of a village chief and two other persons in Calatrava, Negros Occidental last month.

The 79IB said that the higher bounty will be given to anyone who can provide vital information leading to the arrest of the 31-year-old Fabillar, also known as "Arnel Tapang" and "Jhong."

To recall, the initial cash reward was set at P100,000 but it was raised to P300,000 last week before increasing it to P500,000.

79IB commanding officer Lt. Col. J-jay Javines disclosed that the reward money would come from the local government unit and stakeholders supporting the anti-insurgency campaign.

"I encourage everyone to continuously support our campaign against the terrorist group. Your information and cooperation are vital to us," Javines said.

On Wednesday, troops of the 79IB installed "wanted" posters with the photograph and personal information of Fabillar in various barangays of Calatrava and neighboring Toboso town.

Fabillar is assigned to carry out special operations for the remnants of the dismantled NPA Northern Negros Front, Javines had earlier said.