Benguet: The Benguet Police Provincial Office (PPO) has initiated the "Oplan Ultimate Grass Cutter," a strategic campaign designed to tackle the persistent issue of marijuana cultivation in the province.
According to Philippines News Agency, the operation plan comprises two approaches-soft and hard-both directed at minimizing, if not completely eradicating, marijuana cultivation in the region. Maj. Edwin Sergio, the Benguet PPO information officer and deputy chief of the Provincial Community Affairs and Development Unit (PCADU), explained in a phone interview that the program is currently being implemented across five barangays in the towns of Kibungan, Bakun, and Kapangan.
The soft approach emphasizes revitalizing the barangay police (tanod), engaging with the community through lectures, distributing informative materials, and participating in activities like 'brigada eskwela,' including corporate social responsibility projects such as free haircuts, medical and dental outreach, 'Gulong ng Suerto,' and 'Philippine National Police (PNP) good deeds.'
Conversely, the hard approach focuses on operational tactics, including the eradication of marijuana plantations, arresting cultivators, and pursuing legal action against offenders. Maj. Sergio noted that the provincial director, Col. Lambert Suerte, plans to implement this program for at least a year to evaluate its effectiveness.
Sergio further mentioned that, alongside police efforts, various government agencies would contribute to the program's soft approach by providing livelihood assistance, education, skills training, and other interventions. From January 16 to February 26 this year, the Benguet PPO successfully seized or destroyed marijuana plants and seedlings valued at PHP315,693.
While eradication efforts are ongoing, Sergio highlighted the importance of conducting community activities and programs to foster a change in attitudes. He emphasized the goal of preventing children from using marijuana by reducing or eliminating its availability. Sergio also expressed a desire to remove the stigma of Benguet being known as a marijuana source.
In preparation for the program's rollout, the Benguet PPO organized an anti-drug summit in the towns of Kibungan, Kapangan, Bakun, Buguias, and Mankayan, attended by youths and community leaders. During the summit, the provincial director warned that individuals caught planting, protecting, or selling marijuana would face severe consequences.
Furthermore, forward operations desks have been established in the targeted areas to facilitate the program's implementation.
