The mayor of Loay, Bohol has offered a P50,000-peso reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those who robbed two Chinese tourists at a popular mountain viewpoint.
Mayor Hilario Ayuaban made the offer as police continue investigating the October 3 robbery at Morning Hills in the barangay of Botoc Occidental, which has been temporarily closed to visitors.
The mayor met with investigators from the Bohol Provincial Police Office led by Major Bonifacio Lucerna, who heads the provincial investigation and detective management unit, and Loay police chief Lieutenant John Rey Olid.
“There is no place for crime in Loay,” Ayuaban said, adding that the local government and police are working to keep the town peaceful and safe.
He said he was saddened by the incident and asked anyone with information on the suspects to contact Olid or reach him directly.
The reward will be paid for tips that help identify and arrest the suspects and lead to charges being filed.
Morning Hills, a privately owned hilltop that draws visitors for its view of the sea, is free to enter.
Barangay Captain Lito Guarte and the landowner agreed to close it after the robbery.
Local reports said a passport belonging to one of the victims was found by a Loay resident and returned, but about P9,000 pesos taken in the robbery was not recovered.
Two men are suspected of carrying out the holdup, and one local report said a knife was used, though that has not been verified.
The tourists have returned to China and are not expected to pursue a case, according to local reports.
The mayor reportedly apologized in person to one of the victims at his office.
Some residents have criticized any suggestion the case is closed while the suspects remain unidentified and at large.