By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) awarded over PHP1.1 million in cash incentives to seven civilian informants on Wednesday under its Operation: Private Eye (OPE) program.
PDEA-9 Director Bryan Babang, in a statement, said the awarding ceremony was held in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, highlighting the crucial role of ordinary citizens in the intensified campaign against illegal drugs.
“For their protection, the informants, each identified only by code names and wearing face masks, personally received their rewards in a secure setting,” Bebang said.
He said the informants provided intelligence that led to the successful execution of nine high-impact anti-drug operations, resulting in the confiscation of 13,336.7 grams of shabu with an estimated worth of PHP90.6 million.
Among the most notable accomplishments was a buy-bust operation on Aug. 19, 2025, in Barangay Canelar, this city.
“Acting on information from an informant codenamed ‘Junix,’ authorities arrested a drug personality and confiscated 3,997.3 grams of shabu valued at some PHP27.18 million,” he said.
To ensure integrity and transparency, the Rewards Committee—composed of PDEA key officials and representatives from the religious, academic, and business sectors—conducted a thorough review of the granting process.
The awarding ceremony was graced by Assistant Secretary Renato Gumban, PDEA Deputy Director General for Operations, alongside PDEA-Zamboanga Peninsula officials, partner law enforcement agencies, and members of the media.
“This fight belongs to all Filipinos; we all have a role in building a safer, healthier Bagong Pilipinas,” Gumban said in a separate statement.
He commended the informants, emphasizing that their bravery directly contributed to saving lives and safeguarding communities.
PDEA reiterates that community cooperation is the backbone of the government’s fight against illegal drugs. (PNA)
