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. - ---