Pubdate: Wed, 30 Mar 2005
Source: Manila Times (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005, The Manila Times
Contact:  http://www.manilatimes.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/921
Author: Gilbert G. Lazaro
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

LOMIBAO DESTROYS P5-MILLION MARIJUANA

SUGPON, Ilocos Sur: The Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director 
General Arturo C. Lomibao, led the destruction of some P5-million worth of 
uprooted marijuana plants during his short visit here last week.

Lomibao visited the province on Wednesday to identify the needs of the 
rural police stations and make a pilgrimage to the Saint Anthony de Padua 
church.

The PNP chief lauded the efforts of local policemen in boosting the 
anti-illegal drugs campaign of the PNP.

"Itutuloy natin ang kampanya, hindi lang illegal drugs, kundi lahat ng 
illegal activities and lawlessness. We will pursue an all-out campaign 
against all forms of illegal activities so that we can deliver what the 
people need," he told.

The 104th Provincial Mobile Group, headed by Senior Inspector Marlo 
Castillo, and the Sugpon Police, lead by Senior Inspector Joemar Labiano, 
uprooted the marijuana plants in four separate plantations in Barangay 
Licungan.

The plantations were located at the boundaries of Sugpon in Ilocos Sur and 
Kibungan in Benguet province.

Senior Supt. Mario B. Subagan, Ilocos Sur provincial police chief, reported 
that the total land area of the marijuana plantations is around 1,700 
square meters and contained 28,000 fully-grown marijuana plants and 2,000 
marijuana seedlings with a total street value of P5.7 Million.

Subagan reported that there are other marijuana plantations waiting to be 
uprooted in the mountainous boundary between Ilocos Sur and Benguet provinces.

Lomibao said that the eradication of marijuana plantations was a result of 
good intelligence operations and was a boost to the campaign against 
illegal drugs.

"By burning the marijuana plantations, we are removing the source, we are 
reducing the incidents of addiction especially in our youths," Lomibao said.

"If we are reducing the supply of marijuana, we reduce the supply of 
illegal drugs, in effect, we are reducing drug addiction, and we are 
exerting efforts so that we can move on," he added.

Lomibao admitted that the police find it difficult to arrest the suspected 
marijuana plants growers and he asked the support of local residents for 
the identities of the suspects.

"It is hard to run after the suspected marijuana growers. Usually, while 
the raiding team is approaching, the suspects easily notice the policemen 
and they are able to escape," he said.

"To capture them, we need the cooperation of our civilians and barangay 
residents. If they have information about these marijuana planters and 
pushers, they have to report it to the police, report it to barangay 
officials, to the mayor or to the priest. We will immediately act on them," 
he assured.
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