The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Thursday awarded a total of P11.6 million in cash rewards to eight informants who provided crucial information leading to successful anti-drug operations.

In a statement, the PDEA said that the informants — wearing full-face masks to protect their identities — received their rewards at a ceremony at the agency’s national headquarters in Quezon City.

The event was led by PDEA director general Undersecretary Isagani Nerez and members of the Private Eye Rewards Committee.

The informants were identified only by their codenames.

Nerez commended the informants for their cooperation, which he said resulted in nine successful anti-drug operations. These operations led to the seizure of significant quantities of illegal drugs and the arrest of high-value drug personalities.

Four informants each received the largest reward of P2 million.

Information provided by these individuals led to the seizure of 49.705 kilograms of suspected shabu and the arrest of two drug suspects during a buy-bust operation in South Green Heights Village, Barangay Putatan, Muntinlupa City on 14 March.

They also provided intelligence that resulted in the confiscation of 39.86 kilograms of shabu and the arrest of one drug suspect in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Pantok, Binangonan, Rizal on 19 March.

The Operation Private Eye Reward Committee, composed of key PDEA officers and members from the business, academe, and religious sectors, evaluated and approved the rewards for the informants.

“These private citizens took it upon themselves to report suspicious drug-related activities, not minding their own safety. To return the favor, PDEA assured them that all information received were handled with utmost confidentiality,” Nerez said.

He also stressed the importance of community involvement in the fight against illegal drugs.

“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. It is definitely a huge boost for us considering our limited manpower,” said Nerez.