MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – A marijuana plantation was discovered in a remote area of Purok 3, Barangay Lourdes, Valencia City, Bukidnon, following a tip-off from forest rangers

On July 16, 2025, joint law enforcement units conducted an operation to verify the report and successfully eradicated marijuana plants cultivated on an estimated 250-square-meter plot of land.

Authorities uprooted and destroyed, through on-site burning, marijuana plants and leaves with an estimated market value of PhP 366,000.00.

Seized during the operation were 100 marijuana seedlings (valued at PhP 4,000.00), two plastic seedling trays, 10 fully grown marijuana plants (valued at PhP 2,000.00), and three kilograms of suspected dried marijuana leaves (valued at PhP 360,000.00, based on PhP 120.00 per gram).

All uprooted plants and dried leaves were immediately burned at the site, except for samples retained for laboratory testing by the Bukidnon Provincial Forensic Unit in Malaybalay City.

Police Major Jayvee Babaan, spokesperson of the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office (BPPO), confirmed during a press briefing on July 22 that an investigation is underway to identify those responsible for the plantation.

Police Brigadier General Rolindo M. Suguilon, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10, commended the operating units for their swift action and continued commitment to the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign.

The coordinated operation was conducted by personnel from the Bukidnon Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), Bukidnon Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 10 (RDEU-10), Valencia City Police Station (VCPS), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 10 – Bukidnon Provincial Office. (melbmadera)