Mount Province – Kalinga – In a significant blow to illegal drug operations, authorities eradicated marijuana plantations worth PhP31,360,000.00 during a joint operation conducted by the Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR) on May 1, 2026. The operation took place at Mount Makago-ong, located on the boundary of Brgy. Saclit, Sadanga, Mountain Province, and Brgy. Buscalan, Tinglayan, Kalinga.
Massive Marijuana Plantations Discovered
According to a report from the Mountain Province Police Provincial Office (PPO), four marijuana plantations were uncovered in the area. These plantations contained:
- 140,000 fully grown marijuana plants valued at PhP28,000,000.00
- 84,000 marijuana seedlings with an estimated worth of PhP3,360,000.00
The plantations were located in a section of Mount Makago-ong that had previously been affected by a forest fire. Upon discovery, the authorities immediately uprooted and destroyed the marijuana plants on-site to prevent further distribution.
Coordinated Efforts Lead to Success
The successful operation was spearheaded by PCOL Ledon D. Monte, Deputy Regional Director for Operations of PRO CAR, in collaboration with multiple units, including:
- Mountain Province PPO Provincial Headquarters
- Sadanga and Sagada Municipal Police Stations
- Regional Intelligence Unit-14 and Regional Intelligence Division
- Regional Community Affairs and Development Division of PRO CAR
- Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15
- Provincial EOD and Canine Unit of Mountain Province
- 1st and 2nd Mountain Province Provincial Mobile Force Companies (PMFCs)
- 2nd Benguet PMFC and 2nd Kalinga PMFC
- Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Mountain Province
Ongoing Investigations and Public Appeal
Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify other potential marijuana plantations in nearby areas and apprehend individuals responsible for cultivating the illegal plants.
The PRO CAR has also called on the public to actively participate in the fight against illegal drugs and contribute to protecting the environment for the benefit of future generations.
This operation highlights the importance of community involvement and inter-agency cooperation in addressing the persistent issue of illegal drug cultivation in the region.