Friday, September 28, 2007 Military uproots 29 marijuana plants in NegOc By Ruby P. Silubrico
A SUSPECTED member of the New People's Army was arrested last Tuesday for growing marijuana plants in his backyard at Sitio Maribo, Barangay Mambaruto, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.
The military arrested Berbardo Gentica, 31, after finding 29 fully grown marijuana plants in his care, which he allegedly raised for the rebels’ consumption.
The military under the 303rd Brigade in Negros Occidental uprooted the plants at around 1 p.m. after the Civil Relations Unit received reports from barangay officials about the matter.
It was learned that sometime in February 2007, some marijuana plants believed to be owned by the rebels were also uprooted at Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan, Negros Occidental.
Marquez said they are conducting a deeper investigation on the case of Gentica’s connection with the rebels.
"It’s a common knowledge that the NPAs are promoting this kind of business to support their needs," Marquez said.
On the other hand, Marquez revealed they received information that some members of a sparrow unit were spotted in Barangays Trapeche and Cabanbanan, Oton, Iloilo.
They believed the unit might be implementing a liquidation plot in the town.
