Pubdate: Fri, 16 Dec 2005 Source: Sunstar Davao (Philippines) Copyright: 2005 Sunstar Contact: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1991 Note: also listed for feedback Author: BOT Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) P700-T MARIJUANA BURNED IN COMVAL AN ESTIMATED 1,500 hills and 10,000 seedlings of marijuana worth P700,000 went up in smoke as Compostela Valley officials intensified their anti-illegal drugs campaign. On December 12, at the Manat National High School in Nabunturan, Governor Jose Caballero and daughter Kristine Mae led the ceremonial burning of marijuana recovered by authorities in New Bataan on November 23. Also attending the burning were Col. Antonio Amodia, of the Army's 404th Brigade, and Senior Superintendent Nestor Quinsay, of the provincial police. Provincial Board member Kristin Caballero, who is also the action officer of the provincial anti-drug abuse council (PDAC), said continuous raids on marijuana plantations in the province are just one of the many responses and plans they have to curb illegal drugs in the area. She said they are also holding massive information drives in several schools to educate the students on the ill-effects of illegal drugs and how to avoid it. Reports are rife that many drug pushers from Davao City had transferred their illegal operations to Compostela Valley. Quinsay said though they have not monitored any big drug syndicates in his area of responsibility, but added that they are not taking any chances. He said they are now monitoring some personalities involved in illegal drugs trade and in no time, he promised, the suspects will fall. - ---