Farmer caught watering marijuana plants

CEBU, Philippines — Authorities have arrested a farmer who was caught in the act of watering marijuana plants in Sitio Kalubihan, Barangay Tungkay, Toledo City last Friday.

The 2nd Police Provincial Mobile Force Company chief, Police Lieutenant Colonel Rolando Barraquio, identified the suspect as Dionesio Cabrera, 42 years old.

At least 1,000 stalks of fully grown marijuana were uprooted with an estimated value of P410,000 weighing at least 423.33 grams.

"Yung marijuana kasi is fully grown na sya kaya (possible) na matagal ma yung tinanim..kay nga iniimbestigahan pa namin yung tao," Barraquio told reporters.

The authorities are set to file the charges for violation of Article 2 Section 16 of the Republic Act 9165 or the cultivation of dangerous drugs after he was caught on act watering the marijuana plants.

Barraquio added that they are yet to get a statement from Cabrera since he is awaiting for his legal counsel that is set to show up today.

Cabrera has also accordingly refused to answer the investigators' question during the interrogation.

As this operation has been carried out, Barraquio said the community's participation has been a huge factor to them after an information was tipped to them.

"May nagsasabi nga sa amin na sir meron po kaming alam na nagtatanin sa lugar nato kaya venirify ng tropa natin, nakita agad, on the act po na nagdidilig yung suspect natin," said Barraquio.

Barraquio added they have monitoring the plantation for a while prior to conducting the operation since it was located in the remote area.

"Nanghihingi kami lagi ng tulong from community kung paano natin malo-locate kasi alam natin na yung plantation ng marijuana, patago at malayong lugar sila nag-cu-cultivate," said Barraquio.

"Malaking tulong and community natin lalo na ngayon na nagsabi sa amin, yung informant namin is from the community...a PNP mismo sila nagbibigay ng information, kami na po and nagde-develop to locate yung lugar," he added.

At present, Barraquio said they are conducting further investigation on possible cohorts of Cabrera.

They are also intensifying their operation especially in the southern part of the province over their area of responsibility.

Furthermore, Barraquio encourages the community to continue their coordination with them if they have information on possible marijuana plantations existing in their areas. — GMR (FREEMAN)