P260,000 marijuana uprooted in Kalinga

By Mar T. Supnad

TINGLAYAN, Kalinga – Lawmen uprooted around 1,200 fully grown marijuana plants valued at P240,000 here at Sitio Wallit, Barangay Loccong here last week. Aso found in the area were four bundles of dried marijuana plants in a nipa hut worth P20, 000.

Police said no one was seen cultivating the area when troops arrived there.

A report to Chief Supt. Eugene Martin, Cordillera police director, in Camp Dangwa, Benguet said Sr. Supt. Arni Dean Emock, Kalinga police director, with the 4th, CAFGU, 77th Infantry battalion of the Philippine Army, municipal officials, barangay anti drug council and Loccong officials conducted the marijuana eradication after traversing a steep and winding terrain.

Emock said that since the area is also a bailiwick of communist rebels, “friendly forces were strategically positioned at the area to preempt any eventualities while the police and local officials were in the process of eradication operation. “

After the conduct of information campaign and burning of the marijuana plants, Emock said operating troops withdrew bringing along with them 10 bundles of uprooted marijuana plants for exhibit.

Emock credited the operation to the full support of Tinglayan mayor Johnny D. Maymaya, local officials and members of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council.