Marines discover marijuana plantation in Sulu

October 26, 2019

Marines discovered a marijuana plantation in Sulu last Wednesday, a military spokesman said on Thursday night.

Major Arvin Encinas, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said the elements of Marine Battalion Landing Team-7 were conducting combat operation when they discovered the plantation at the vicinity of Barangay Masjid Punjungan, Kalingalang Caluangu.

"The 1,800 square meter marijuana plantation that has an estimated cost of 3.6 million ( pesos), is located within the residential area of a certain Adzhar Jumaidim Mundoc," he said.

Encinas said the plantation was immediately cordoned by the troops "and subsequently coordinated with the barangay officials of Masjid Punjungan to determine the owner of plantation."

"MBLT-7 also coordinated with PDEA-Sulu for the proper disposition of the marijuana plantation," he said.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, lauded the accomplishment of the Marines.

“Congratulations to the Marine troopers for this very commendable accomplishment,” he said.

“Our peace efforts do not only focus on ending terrorism but as well as addressing its root causes which include the campaign against illegal drugs,” he added. Robina Asido/DMS