Cops destory marijuana shrubs in Maguindanao town

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines - Policemen on Tuesday uprooted more than 5,000 marijuana shrubs in a five-hour operation amid heavy rains in a hinterland district in Matanog town.

Senior Supt. Rudelio Jocson, director of the Maguindanao police, said the marijuana plants were planted in straight rows on a two-hectare land atop a hill in Malundo area in Barangay Sapad, about seven kilometers northeast of the town proper of Matanog.

Jocson said they learned of the clandestine propagation by an armed group of marijuana plants in the area from villagers and religious leaders, who provided information on its location through Senior Inspector Erwin Tabora, Matanog’s municipal police chief.

Tabora told reporters the farm was guarded by gunmen who fled when auhorities raided the area.

Tabora said investigators and barangay officials are now cooperating in identifying the people behind the propagation of the marijuana plants.

Corresponding criminal cases will be filed against them, according to Tabora.  - John Unson