It takes guts to be a millionaire: Drug tipsters get P2M each
MANILA, Philippines–Sometimes, it takes guts to be a millionaire.
Two tipsters who helped lead authorities to the arrest of four Chinese nationals and the seizure of more than 400 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or “shabu,” in September went home millionaires on Monday.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) awarded P2 million each to two informants who contributed to PDEA’s two major antinarcotics operations.
The tipsters were only known by their code names—and each wore ski masks to protect their identities.
The reward was provided for under the agency’s Operation: Private Eye, which aims to encourage citizens to report illegal drug activities in their communities.
‘Astig’ and ‘Asgit’
The two informants were known by their code names “Astig” and “Asgit.”
PDEA Director General Arturo Cacdac Jr. personally handed over the reward to the tipsters at the agency’s headquarters in Quezon City.
“Community vigilance is vital to the implementation of the national antidrug campaign,” Cacdac said. “We need our local folks to be our eyes and ears in their barangays [villages] and let us know of illegal drug activities.”
The tipsters were rewarded for the operations of the PDEA and the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force in San Fernando City, Pampanga province, on Sept. 12.
The four Chinese nationals were arrested in raids on two warehouses in two barangays, with authorities recovering more than 400 kg of shabu and other drugs.
“Astig” was rewarded for giving information that led to the seizure of 276.78 kg of shabu and the arrest of two Chinese nationals during a search of a warehouse in Barangay Sindalan, San Fernando City.
Rewards committee
In a follow-up operation the same day, “Asgit” supplied policemen with a tip that led to the confiscation of 187.92 kg of shabu and 189.97 kg of ephedrine—a shabu ingredient—from a warehouse in Barangay San Jose in the same city.
Two Chinese nationals were also arrested in the raid.
The Private Eye Rewards Committee, composed of members of the academe and nongovernment organizations, as well as law enforcement, religious and business groups, approved the grant of the P4-million reward to the informants.
Originally posted: 7:08 PM | Tuesday, November 18th, 2014
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