Solon: Civilian informants key in anti-drug operations

MANILA, Philippines — House committee on dangerous drugs chairperson and Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos on Saturday emphasized the importance of civilian informants in the government’s anti-drug campaign operations.

His remarks followed the P9.1 million worth of cash incentives that was awarded to 28 informants by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

“Every credible tip can bring authorities closer to dismantling a drug network. When citizens speak up and provide reliable information, they help prevent illegal drugs from destroying more lives and tearing families apart,” Santos said in a statement released on Saturday.

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READ: PDEA hands out P9.15M in rewards to 28 informants

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The intelligence provided by the informants had led to the seizure of large amounts of shabu, cocaine, and marijua, as well as the dismantlement of drug laboratories.

He noted that among the accomplishments of the operation was the seizure of 40.992 kilograms of shabu, which led to the arrest of two drug suspects along Andrade Street, Barangay Balingasa, Quezon City last April.

The informant was given P2 million, the largest cash incentive that was provided.

Another information obtained from an informant, who was awarded P1.5 million, also guided authorities to dismantle a large-scale clandestine drug laboratory in Sitio Kaybunga, Barangay Bulacan, Occidental Mindoro last May.

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“We are not asking people to put themselves in danger or confront suspected drug personalities. We are urging them to report what they know safely and responsibly so authorities can investigate, build cases, and take action against those involved,” he said.

As chairperson of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, Santos assured of the Congress’ support in pushing measures that strengthen intelligence gathering, law enforcement, drug prevention and rehabilitation, and other anti-drug campaigns.

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“Arrests and drug seizures are important, but we must go further. We need stronger intelligence, closer coordination, accountability, and sustained cooperation between the government and the public to weaken drug networks and keep illegal drugs away from our communities,” he emphasized. /das