Pubdate: Sun, 13 Feb 2005
Source: Manila Times (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005, The Manila Times
Contact:  http://www.manilatimes.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/921
Author: Harley Palangchao
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

P30-M MARIJUANA DESTROYED IN BENGUET

BAKUN, Benguet: Benguet police and antinarcotics agents destroyed more than 
P30-million worth of marijuana in at least 16 sites, which are near 
residential houses in barangay Kayapa here.

Some of the marijuana plants, which were discovered in a three-day 
anti-illegal drugs campaign last week, were discretely planted along with 
cardis plants a short distance from the Kayapa Elementary School.

Supt. Rodrigo Licudine, head of the Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force of the 
Cordillera regional police, reported that some of the marijuana plants were 
believed to have been sprayed with pesticides a day after it was uprooted 
by the authorities.

Licudine and Senior Supt. Villamor Bumanglag, the Benguet provincial police 
director, participated in the uprooting of the fully-grown marijuana plants 
on Thursday.

Licudine said that no marijuana cultivator was arrested during the 
operation but he surmised that some of the Kayapa farmers had personal 
knowledge of the plantations.

A Kayapa resident, who asked not be named, said he did not know who were 
planting marijuana in their barangay but said he understand why some 
farmers are being forced to plant marijuana.

The resident said the lack of government support and neglect to remote 
communities in the country is one of the main reasons why those who have no 
sources of income are being lured to engage in the marijuana trade.

Barangay Kayapa is one of the most remote areas of Benguet and residents 
there have to walk for almost one day to reach their municipal hall. Some 
residents walk for almost six hours to reach the town of Alilem, Ilocos 
Sur, to get transportation.

A study commissioned by the Kapangan municipal government in Benguet on the 
existence of marijuana plantations in the municipality showed that lack of 
government support forced farmers to plant marijuana.
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