BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Caraga has commended the City Government of Butuan for enacting City Ordinance No. 7268-2025, which provides financial assistance to insulating witnesses involved in illegal drug-related cases within the city.
According to PDEA-Caraga spokesperson Dindo Abellanosa, the ordinance was unanimously approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod. The measure was principally authored by Councilor Ehrnest John C. Sanchez, with Mayor Lawrence Fortun—then serving as Vice Mayor—and the entire city council as co-authors.
Abellanosa clarified that the ordinance will only apply to anti-drug operations conducted within Butuan City.
PDEA-Caraga Regional Director Levi S. Ortiz encouraged other local government units in the Caraga Region to replicate the ordinance, emphasizing the need to support witnesses not just in Butuan but across the region.
The officer proudly noted that this is the first ordinance of its kind in the entire Philippines, specifically created to support insulating witnesses in illegal drug cases.
Abellanosa highlighted that the ordinance addresses a long-standing challenge faced by law enforcement—the lack of financial means for witnesses to continue participating in legal proceedings after drug operations. He pointed out that a witness’s role doesn’t end with the arrest but extends to court appearances, visits to the Office of the Prosecutor, and other related government agencies.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Butuan, Abellanosa added that the ordinance also guarantees compensation for witnesses—even if the anti-drug operation does not succeed—recognizing their vital role in the judicial process.
As mandated under Section 21 of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, all anti-illegal drug operations must have witnesses from the media, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and elected officials. This new ordinance strengthens the support system for such individuals, ensuring their participation remains protected and sustainable.
