ILOILO — The Iloilo provincial government has intensified its anti-illegal drugs campaign by approving an ordinance granting cash rewards of up to P30,000 to Barangay Bantay Droga (BBD) members whose information leads to the arrest and prosecution of suspected drug pushers, including barangay officials involved in illegal drug activities.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) unanimously approved Provincial Ordinance No. 2026-04-19 during its 42nd regular session on May 5, institutionalizing the “Barangay Bantay Droga (BBD) Ordinance of the Province of Iloilo” aimed at strengthening grassroots participation in the province’s anti-drug drive.
The ordinance, authored by 2nd District Provincial Board member June Mondejar, establishes a province-wide Barangay Bantay Droga network composed of barangay officials, Sangguniang Kabataan officials, barangay tanods, barangay health workers, nutrition scholars, tricycle and motorcycle associations, and retired police and military personnel.
Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque presided over the session approving the measure.
Under the ordinance, BBD members who provide information leading to the lawful arrest, filing of charges, or referral of suspected drug pushers will receive no less than P10,000 in monetary reward from the provincial government.
The reward increases to at least P20,000 if the suspected drug pusher is a barangay kagawad or Sangguniang Kabataan official, and to at least P30,000 if the suspect is a punong barangay.
“A monetary reward may be granted only upon written determination, based on verified and lawfully obtained information, that the informant’s report materially contributed to a lawful arrest, case filing, or lawful referral, subject to audit, confidentiality, and rules to prevent malicious, false, or politically motivated reporting,” the ordinance stated.
The ordinance supports the provincial government’s policy of protecting communities, especially the youth, from the harmful effects of illegal drugs through stronger coordination at the grassroots level.
The ordinance also directs the Office of the Governor to create a BBD Task Force through an executive order to oversee implementation, evaluate reports and reward claims, maintain confidentiality, recommend reward adjustments, and coordinate with law enforcement agencies.
Authorities stressed that all reports and records related to alleged drug activities must be handled with strict confidentiality and limited access.
The ordinance also imposes penalties against individuals who submit false reports or violate confidentiality provisions.
Offenders may face a fine of P5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year, without prejudice to administrative charges if the violator is a public official./PN
