₱360K reward for Kalinga informant who tipped off marijuana plantation

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — A Kalinga informant received ₱360,000 in cash from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for information that led to the discovery and eradication of an 18,000-plant marijuana plantation and the arrest of three drug personalities in Tinglayan.

The informant, whose identity was withheld for security reasons, was among 28 civilians nationwide recognized by the PDEA under its Operation: Private Eye program during an awarding ceremony at the agency’s national headquarters in Quezon City on October 8.

The 28 informants received a combined ₱9,146,279.85 in cash incentives for information that contributed to major anti-illegal drug operations.

The Kalinga informant received the third-highest reward among the three Cordillera informants cited by the PDEA, after providing information that led authorities to a 3,000-square-meter marijuana plantation in Loccong, Tinglayan.

The operation on May 4, 2026 resulted in the eradication of 18,000 fully grown marijuana plants and the arrest of three drug personalities during a buy-bust operation, according to the PDEA.

Two informants from Mountain Province were also rewarded for information that led to the destruction of marijuana plantations.

One received ₱240,000 for information that resulted in the eradication of 12,000 fully grown marijuana plants at Mountain Paras in Saclit, Sadanga, on February 27, 2026.

Another received ₱500,000 for information that led to the eradication of 30,000 fully grown marijuana plants at Mountain Fisak in Saclit.

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez underscored the role of civilian informants in helping authorities identify drug personalities, locate marijuana cultivation sites and disrupt illegal drug activities.

“These informants may remain behind the scenes, but the information they provided have helped law enforcement identify drug activities, disrupt criminal networks, and protect communities,” Nerez said.

He added that the informants’ decision to provide information showed that citizens can contribute to the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.