MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed the move of the Department of the Interior and Local Goverment (DILG) to order local officials down to the barangay level to collect anonymous tips on illegal drugs and other criminal activities through drop boxes.

“That’s good, dahil we will be coming up with any information na hindi natin makukuha in any other means dahil nga takot nga ‘yung tao na magbigay ng impormasyon di ba?” Dela Rosa said on Tuesday, October 3.

(That’s good because we will be coming up with information that we cannot get [thrugh] any other means because there are people who are afraid to give information, right?)

Dela Rosa was referring to potential tipsters who fear retaliation in case they report suspicious activities directly to the police.

The DILG ordered the nationwide use of the drop boxes in provincial, city, municipal, and barangay halls in line with Masa Masid, its community-based thrust to battle drugs and crime.

Dela Rosa sought to allay fears over the anonymous reporting system, saying policemen would thoroughly validate all the tips they receive.

“Hindi naman ibig sabihin na lahat nang ilagay diyan sa drop box ay kinoconsider natin na totoo (It does not mean that everything placed in the drop box will be considered true). That is why we have to validate that report,” Dela Rosa said.

He said they the PNP will use the tips as “starting information to start our search for more information.” – Rappler.com