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Saturday, May 24, 2008
Marines uncover marijuana plantation in Sulu
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- An estimated P30 million worth of marijuana plantation has been uncovered in the island province of Sulu.
Philippine Marine troops tracking down the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorists and al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf bandits said the marijuana plantation measuring around two hectares was recently uncovered in Patao village in Maimbung town.
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Colonel Natalio Ecarma III, chief of the 3rd Marine Brigade, said the Special Operations Platoon of the Marine Battalion Landin Team (MBLT)-4 was tracking the JIs and Abu Sayyaf bandits in Patao village when they stumbled on the marijuana plantation.
He said more troops were immediately sent to destroy and uproot the marijuana plants.
The uprooted marijuana plants will be handed over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for disposal.
Investigation is underway to determine the people behind its cultivation.
Earlier, there were reports that the Abu Sayyaf bandits are involved in the prohibited drug trade as part of the group's source of funding.
Joint Task Force Comet (JTFC) chief Major General Juancho Sabban commended the MBLT-4 troops for a job well done.
Sabban warned the drug pushers and drug lords, who take the comfort in victimizing the people, saying the military does not only combat terrorism but also drug addiction.
"We are determined to shut down delinquency and stop crimes caused by the use of prohibited drugs," he stressed.
Last month, the JTFC through its 42nd Civil Relations Unit (4thCRU) of the 4th Civil Relations Group (4thCRG) spearheaded a symposium against the use of prohibited drugs at the Jolo Municipal Town Hall as part of its advocacy against drug addiction.
"Our campaign versus illegal drugs will be relentless," Sabban stressed.
Likewise, he urged the public to help the authorities in the defense of their children and love ones against the use of prohibited drugs.
"The problem of illegal drugs is everybody's concern. All of us can be possible victims of this menace if not addressed straight away. And it's only through the union of efforts that we may be successful in our crusade against these dangerous drugs," Sabban said. (Bong Garcia/Sunnex)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro. (May 24, 2008 issue)
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