Police authorities in Lanao del Sur have destroyed more than PHP5 million worth of marijuana plants in Lanao del Sur’s town of Maguing, an official said Monday.
In a report, Col. Jibin Bongcayao, Lanao del Sur police director, said Sunday afternoon's operation led to the discovery of some 20,000 marijuana hills (planted in a group) in the mountainous area of Barangay Bato-Bato, Maguing.
Bongcayao said the plantation cultivator, identified as a certain Kumander Lomala Pangampong, managed to elude arrest together with his cohorts upon sensing the arrival of law enforcers.
A huge part of the seized plants was burned in the area, while some were brought to the Lanao Sur police headquarters to serve as evidence against the suspects.
Bongcayao said the Maguing municipal police station is preparing appropriate criminal charges against the suspects.
“The success of the joint operation is a collaborative effort between the security forces and the community,” Bongcayao said, adding that civilians tipped off the police about the plantation.
It took several hours for police and military to reach the plantation site in the mountains of Maguing due to the absence of a road network, he added.
Source: Philippines News Agency
