Ilocos sur: Authorities destroyed marijuana plants worth over PHP3.28 million in the rugged highlands of Sugpon, Ilocos Sur, following two successive operations by police and partner agencies this week. Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office Director Col. Agosto Asuncion said 16,400 fully grown marijuana plants were destroyed, valued at PHP3.2 million.

According to Philippines News Agency, on June 15, a marijuana plantation covering approximately 550 square meters was discovered in Barangay Licungan, Sugpon, containing 4,400 fully grown marijuana plants valued at PHP880,000. The operation was conducted by the 2nd Ilocos Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company.

On June 17, a joint operation led by the Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit was conducted in the disputed boundary of Barangay Licungan, Sugpon, Ilocos Sur and in Barangay Tacadang, Kibungan, Benguet. It resulted in the discovery of two plantation sites covering 1,500 square meters with 12,000 fully grown marijuana plants valued at PHP2.4 million. All were uprooted and destroyed.

No cultivator was arrested and the landowner remains unidentified. Follow-up investigations and intelligence monitoring are ongoing. "These accomplishments reflect the unwavering cooperation of all operating units that continue to sustain strengthened inter-agency coordination in order to eradicate illegal drug cultivation sites and protect communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs," Asuncion said in an interview.

He reiterated that marijuana eradication operations in the province will continue as part of the police's commitment to a safer, more secure and drug-free Ilocos Sur. In compliance with Section 21 of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), the uprooted marijuana plants were immediately burned and destroyed onsite. The process was documented and witnessed by representatives of the operating units.