DAVAO CITY – Anti-narcotics agents uprooted and burned 11,043 marijuana shrubs during a raid in Barangay Blaan, Malungon, Sarangani, on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
According to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 12 Director Benjamin Recites III, the marijuana eradication operation was conducted in coordination with units from the Police Regional Office-12 (PRO-12) and the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion.
Following the successful uprooting of the illegal crops, PDEA-12 agents immediately burned the plants, estimated to have a market value of ₱2.2 million. Authorities, however, collected samples for evidence to support legal action against those responsible for cultivating the plantation.
Three individuals believed to be caretakers of the marijuana farm managed to escape upon spotting PDEA agents, police officers, and soldiers approaching from two directions.
PDEA Director Recites and PRO-12 Director Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente stated that local officials have committed to assisting law enforcement in identifying the farm’s owners and those involved in the operation.
Recites confirmed that the raid was launched following intelligence reports from Blaan tribal leaders and local officials, who flagged the clandestine cultivation of marijuana in the area. The individuals behind the illegal operation are now the subject of a joint PDEA police manhunt.
Authorities continue to track down the suspects and monitor the region to prevent further illegal drug cultivation.
