EIGHT informants received a total of P11.63 million reward yesterday from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for information that led to successful anti-drug operations.
The informants received the reward under PDEA’s Operation: Private Eye, a citizen-based information collection program designed to encourage the active participation of private citizens in reporting illegal drug activities in their communities.
Four of the informants received a P2 million reward each, one of them providing information that led to the seizure of 49.70 kilos of shabu worth P337.9 billion, and the arrest of two drug dealers in Muntinlupa City last March 14.
Another informant provided information leading to the seizure of 39.85 kilos of shabu worth P270.98 million, and the arrest of a drug dealer in Binangonan, Rizal, last March 19.
“These private citizens took it upon themselves to report suspicious drug-related activities, not minding their own safety,” PDEA Director Isagani Nerez said of the informants who wore face masks when they received the reward.
“To return the favor, PDEA assured them that all information received was handled with utmost confidentiality,” added Nerez.
Nerez said the information provided by the informants provided a boost in the continuing campaign against illegal drugs.
According to PDEA data, some P60.13 billion worth of illegal drugs have been seized and 145,064 suspects, including 9,283 high-value targets, have been arrested so far under the Marcos administration.
“In a literal sense, vigilance pays off. Reliable information in exchange for monetary consideration. Imagine if more members of the community are vigilant and proactive in combating the drug trade, a vast network of eyes and ears remains at PDEA’s disposal,” said Nerez.
“It is definitely a huge boost for us considering our limited manpower,” added Nerez.
The participation of the citizenry in the campaign against illegal drugs “is crucial in transforming the country into a Bagong Pilipinas,” said Nerez, referring to the Marcos administration’s brand of governance.
“The programs of the government can only succeed with the cooperation of the Filipino people,” Nerez also said.
Police seized P155,880 worth of suspected dangerous drugs and arrested two persons in a buy-bust operation in Binangonan, Rizal, last Wednesday.
Col. Felipe Maraggun, Rizal provincial police office (PPO) director, identified the suspects as TJ, 20; and Imaw, 19, residents of Binangonan, Rizal.
Seized from them were three transparent plastic bags containing dried fruits and leaves suspected to be marijuana, with a total estimated weight of 1,299 grams. – With Christian Oineza
