The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) rewarded 31 civilian informants a total of over ₱7.46 million under the Operation: Private Eye (OPE) initiative that partners with everyday Filipinos in gathering intel pertinent to the fight against illegal drugs.
“These individuals exemplify the power of citizen action. Their information led to 33 high-impact anti-drug operations that dismantled criminal networks, resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of illegal drugs, and apprehension of high-value drug personalities,” said PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez.
Six citizen-informants were accorded their monetary rewards in a ceremony at the PDEA National Office in Quezon City, while the rest received due recognition and awards at PDEA Regional Offices in various parts of the country.
The top informant was given ₱1,834,640.81 after providing intel that led to the arrest of three drug suspects and the seizure of 24.98 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride, colloquially known as “shabu” or “crystal meth” in a buy-bust operation along Maharlika Highway in Candelaria, Quezon, on October 10, 2025.
The monetary rewards collectively amounted to ₱7,466,707.69. All rewards were released only after meticulous evaluation by the OPE Reward Committee, which is made up of concerned PDEA officials and representatives from the business, academic, and religious sectors to ensure transparency, integrity, and accountability.
PDEA Secretary Oscar Valenzuela, who also serves as the chairperson of the Dangerous Drugs Board, attended as the Guest of Honor and Speaker. Other key PDEA officials, OPE Reward Committee members, and agency personnel were also present for the ceremony.
Nerez stressed that behind all successful anti-drug operations is an ordinary citizen who chose to approach authorities, regardless of the risks.
“Their vigilance and willingness to come out in the open and speak up despite the risks involved have disrupted illegal drug activities and helped protect countless lives,” he said.
The fight against illegal drugs, the director general said, is a shared responsibility between the government and communities.
“We call on every Filipino to be part of the solution. Do not underestimate the power of your voice. A single piece of information can save lives, dismantle illegal drug networks, and restore peace in your community,” Nerez appealed to the public.
The public is encouraged to report illegal drug activities through the OPE hotline: 0917-867-7332
