MANILA, Philippines – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday, December 14, put up a P2-million (US$ 42,156)* reward “for the immediate arrest of the perpetrators behind the shooting” of a department official.

DILG Calabarzon Director Renato Brion was ambushed in front of his office in Calamba City, Laguna, at around 7:35 am on Monday.

Brion is undergoing medical treatment at the Calamba Medical Center while the Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a manhunt for the suspect.

DILG Secretary Mel Sarmiento said President Benigno Aquino III himself gave instructions to offer the cash reward “to any individual or group who can provide information that would lead to the arrest of the perpetrators behind” Brion’s ambush.

The DILG did not say who they suspect to be behind the shooting.

“Brion is one of the respected leaders in the department who is a known expert in the field of local governance. Before his stint in Region IV-A, he was regional director of the National Capital Region, Region III, Region II, and the Planning Service,” said the DILG in a statement late Monday afternoon.

Brion was set to retire from government service in a few month’s time. – Rappler.com

*US$1 = P 47.44