PNP-Kalinga forms Task Force Irene; P500,000 reward offered to identify killer

Tabuk City, Kalinga – In an effort to fast-track the investigation into the brutal killing of Irene Gayamos, authorities in the province have formed “Task Force Irene” and offered a P500,000 reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the identification of her killer.

Irene was murdered in cold blood on the afternoon of November 12 in Purok 6, Bulanao by an unidentified assailant. The 30-year-old weaver was discovered inside her home, lying in a pool of blood at around 2:39 p.m. She was immediately rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival due to multiple stab wounds.

During the Kalinga Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting on November 17, Kalinga Police Officer-in-Charge PCol. Gilbert Fati-ig announced the creation of Task Force Irene, whose main role is to gather and consolidate reports from investigators and intelligence officers across the province working on the case.

Fati-ig sought funding support from the council, chaired by Governor James Edduba, and his request was approved.

Edduba said that around P700,000 has been allocated for the task force—P500,000 for the reward and P200,000 for operational and administrative expenses.

As authorities continue efforts to bring justice to Irene’s death, Fati-ig appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could hinder the investigation and cause unnecessary panic or confusion, especially on social media.

“Alam namin nga talagang madi dayta nga nangyari ngem ipapakaasik kadagiti kailyan nga nu man kuma adda suspetsa yu ay ket maymayat latta nga ibaga yu kanyami. Haan nga diay mapan kayo agsuspe-suspetsia iti kaaduan a tao that will trigger the creation of trouble. Maiwaras tu dayta, dayta ti problema tayo,” he said, emphasizing that the police and the local government are working closely to ensure justice for the slain weaver.