Ornamental “marijuana” uprooted in Bantayan

CEBU, Philippines- At least 900 fully-grown suspected marijuana plants mistaken for an ornamental plant have been uprooted by the police in two barangays of Bantayan, Cebu over the weekend.

Maria Batiancila, 60, widow and resident of Barangay Kangkaibe, Bantayan, have grown the plants at her front yard using clay pots. Batiancila said she was attracted to the yellow and violet flowers of the plant, prompting her to grow several of it.

The police were able to uproot 22 fully-grown plants in Batiancila’s front yard. After the operation, the police received another information about a similar plantation in Barangay Sillio.

Bantayan police chief Senior Inspector Jaime Santillan said he immediately checked the report and found several suspected marijuana plants used as ornaments.

“Atong September 13 sa Barangay Sillio daghan ta’g nakuha gitanom mora ra’g misitas display ra kaayo sa daplin sa dalan. Mamuwak man, mao to ilang gitanom ang ilang purpose misitas ra gyud,” said Police Officer 3 Jesus Aguisanda.

Aguisanda, desk officer of Bantayan Police Station, said they have not made any arrest since the suspected marijuana plants are still subject to laboratory examination.

Aguisanda said the planters were not also aware that the plants they thought as ornamental is illegal. They were, however, invited to the police station to issue a statement.  (FREEMAN)