Drug tipsters cash in on PDEA rewards

MANILA, Philippines - On Monday night, “Mariam” became an instant millionaire for providing information that led to the raid on a drug laboratory in a posh subdivision in Metro Manila.

She received P1,031,520.75, the largest amount received by informants when the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) celebrated its 10th anniversary.

With her whole body concealed with a hooded jacket, a mask and gloves to protect her identity, Mariam received the reward from PDEA director general Jose Gutierrez Jr. She was the one who provided the agency with information that led to the discovery and dismantling of the medium-scale shabu laboratory in Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City on Jan. 6.

During the same operation, five Chinese were arrested and several drug precursors and essential chemicals were seized.

Other informants were also rewarded Monday night under the agency’s “Operation Private Eye” program.

Among them were “Boy” and “Nora,” who each provided information that led to the dismantling of two other drug facilities in Ayala Alabang on Jan. 13. Boy received P500,000, while Nora was rewarded with P607,938.40.

Another informant, “Alex Chow,” received P657,148.65 for the information he gave that led to a drug bust in Manila on May 17, which resulted in the seizure of 44.2 kilos of shabu and the arrest of one drug suspect.

“Lando,” meanwhile, received P629,714.25 for his tip, which resulted the seizure of 19 kilos of high-grade shabu during a sting operation in San Juan City on Jan. 25.

“Danica San Miguel,” on the other hand, gave information that led to the dismantling of a small-scale shabu laboratory in Malabon City on May 4. She received P500,872.25.

During Monday’s celebration, Gutierrez said the agency instituted strategic operational thrusts: strengthening of operations against shabu tiangges, drug dens and clandestine laboratories; prioritization of court duties; and ensuring conviction and incarceration of drug personalities.