ANTI-NARCOTICS operatives uprooted 5,200 fully grown marijuana plants on Friday morning, June 8, in the mountain village of Bayong, Balamban, Cebu.

They were also burned due to the proximity of the plantation from the nearest populated area.

Senior Superintendent Manuel Javier Abrugena, Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) director, led the operation.

He said the plants have a value of P2 million, based on the Dangerous Drugs Board's estimates.

Senior Inspector Deni Mari Pedrozo, Balamban police chief, said they caught alleged cultivator Feliconio Ripdos Sumalo, 50.

The suspect's house is near the marijuana plantation. His son Eduardo, 18, escaped arrest after he noticed the operatives.

The operatives chased Eduardo, but they failed to catch him.

A Frontier Revolver without serial number and loaded with four bullets of M16 rifle was recovered from Sumalo.

For his part, Senior Inspector Alejandro Batobalonos, the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) chief, urged the public to report marijuana plantations.

He said marijuana thrives in the mountains where the weather is cold.

Operatives from CPPO's PDEU, Provincial Intelligence Branch, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, 47th Infantry Battalion Bravo Company of Philippine Army, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7 703RD Company, and Tabuelan Police Station also took part in the operation.

Sumalo and his son will face complaints for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which prohibits the cultivation of marijuana.

A separate complaint of illegal possession of firearm will be filed against Sumalo. (KAL/SunStar Cebu)