PDEA's "Operation: Private Eye" Engages Public in Anti-Drug Campaign

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The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is urging citizens to actively participate in the fight against illegal drugs through its "Operation: Private Eye" (OPE) initiative. This programme incentivises civilians to report drug activities by offering financial rewards for valuable information.

PDEA Director General Isagani R. Nerez highlights that OPE aims to overcome public fear and apathy by maintaining informant anonymity and information confidentiality. During the first quarter of 2025, the programme awarded over P7 million to 16 civilian informants whose reports aided in 22 successful anti-drug operations nationwide.

The Operation Private Eye Reward Committee, consisting of PDEA officers and reputable members of the business, academic, and religious communities, evaluates and approves rewards for qualifying informants. Informants use codenames and masks during award ceremonies to protect their identities.

Despite personal risks, citizens have demonstrated trust in the PDEA's efforts, furthering community engagement in drug eradication. Under the "Bagong Pilipinas" programme, participatory governance is promoted, seeking broader public involvement in tackling the drug problem.

Recent PDEA operations, spanning April 18 to 25, led to the confiscation of illegal drugs valued at approximately P24.95 million and the arrest of 52 suspects. These operations uncovered over 3,000 grams of shabu, among other drugs, and occurred in key areas such as Metro Manila, Dipolog City, and Central and Eastern Visayas, targeting both street-level dealers and high-value syndicate members.

Strategic buy-busts, routine checkpoints, and intelligence-led interdictions effectively dismantled trafficking networks across provinces, including significant seizures in Dipolog City and Benguet.

Nerez acknowledges the dedication of operating teams, emphasizing continued aggressive measures against drug syndicates and a holistic approach combining enforcement with preventive education.

PDEA encourages the public to report suspicious activities through OPE's hotline and social media, affirming the necessity of a united national approach to achieve safer, drug-free communities across the Philippines. Continued successes underscore the importance of coordinated operations and community collaboration in this ongoing battle.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-05-01