ZAMBOANGA CITY – A military official here claimed yesterday that some Abu Sayyaf bandits allegedly get high on marijuana and other drugs to enhance their ferocity before conducting attacks.
The military said that several marijuana plants were discovered after Army troops overran last week an Abu Sayyaf camp in the mountains of Talipao, Basilan.
Maj. Gen. Ruben Rafael, chief of the anti-terrorist Task Force Comet, said clearing operations conducted by the 33rd Infantry Battalion on the abandoned guerrilla camp resulted in the seizure of weapons, medicine, and personal items left by the bandits.
Rafael said the small marijuana plantation was discovered near the Abu Sayyaf base at sitio Niog, Barangay Sangahan in Talipao.
The soldiers immediately destroyed the marijuana plants to prevent the terrorists and other criminals from using drugs.
“The discovery of marijuana in the Abu Sayyaf camp was an indication that the terrorists are feeding on drugs,” Rafael said.
The military is also checking if the Abu Sayyaf bandits are peddling drugs to raise funds for their operations.
Rafael said government troops are conducting pursuit operations against the group that the soldiers encountered.