Place drug ‘tipsters’ under witness protection program - WPD

The Western Police District (WPD) has asked the government to place informants of drug pushers and users under the Witness Protection Program (WPP) to ensure their safety.

Supt. Marcelino Pedrozo Jr., chief of the WPD-Anti Drugs Unit, said there is a need to secure the lives of "tipsters" including their families as part of the government’s renewed campaign against illegal drugs.

Pedrozo made the appeal following the murder of a 20-year-old woman in Tondo, Manila, allegedly by a suspected drug pusher.

Haydee Basilisa, 20, of 992 Interior No. 5 Morong St., Manuguit, Tondo, was stabbed dead on Thursday by Ernesto Fajardo, whose illegal drug activity was reported to the police by the victim. Investigators said the attack could have been in retaliation for tipping off to authorities his alleged illegal activities.

Police officials are apprehensive that the government might not succeed in its fight against illegal drugs if the public would only give minimal support to the campaign for fear of reprisals from criminal elements.

President Arroyo has recently ordered the police and all other law enforcement agencies to intensify the government’s drive against illegal drugs.