BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 13 (PDEA RO 13) expressed deep appreciation to the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Butuan City for the passage of City Ordinance No. 7268-2025, also known as the “Financial Assistance to Insulating Witnesses in Dangerous Drugs Prosecution Ordinance.”
The ordinance, officially received by PDEA RO 13 last week through Atty. Pearl Joy M. Salas-Dalingay, Secretary to the Sanggunian, was enacted to support individuals who serve as insulating witnesses in the prosecution of illegal drug cases. These witnesses are often vital in securing convictions but face financial challenges while participating in legal proceedings.
Unanimously approved during the 24th Regular Session of the City Council on June 24, 2025, the ordinance was attested by City Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer Atty. Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun and signed into law by Mayor Engr. Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada on June 30, 2025.
The measure was authored by Hon. Ehrnest John C. Sanchez and co-authored by then Vice Mayor Fortun (now City Mayor), Councilors Joseph Omar O. Andaya, Cromwell P. Nortega, Reynante B. Desiata (now Vice Mayor), John Gil S. Unay, Sr., Cherry May G. Busa, Victor Vicente G. Plaza, Eduardo S. Gonzalez, Arturo P. Gado, Ferdinand E. Nalcot, Gemma P. Tabada, and Joseph Manuel L. Morcilla.
PDEA RO 13 Regional Director Levi S. Ortiz hailed the ordinance as a “significant step” in enhancing local anti-drug efforts by reducing the financial burden on witnesses and encouraging civic participation in the justice process.
“This ordinance reflects the City Government’s dedication to strengthening our justice system and ensuring that individuals who step forward to testify are not left to bear the costs alone,” Ortiz said. “It is a commendable act of leadership and compassion.”
Director Ortiz also recognized the vital contributions of drug law enforcers, including Intelligence Agent V Joshua Emerson H. Santiago, PDEA Agusan del Norte Provincial Officer, who played a key role in the ordinance’s realization.
He urged other local government units in Caraga and across the country to emulate Butuan City’s initiative, stressing the importance of supporting witnesses to sustain the fight against illegal drugs.
“We hope this bold and thoughtful move by Butuan City will serve as a model for other LGUs. Let us continue to support those who uphold the law and work together to build a safer, healthier, and drug-free nation,” Ortiz added.
PDEA RO 13 reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with local governments, partner agencies, and communities to sustain anti-drug campaigns, with the ordinance serving as a powerful example of how policy can protect justice advocates and reinforce prevention.