PRO CAR ERADICATES P228M worth of MJ in two- day ops plants trees and raises Philippine flag in Mt. Chumanchil
The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR) recorded a historic accomplishment in its intensified campaign against illegal drugs after discovering and destroying marijuana plants worth approximately PhP228,000,000.00 in the province of Kalinga from May 17 to 18, 2026.
Based on the report from the Regional Operations Division of PRO CAR, 10 sites with a total of 9.5-hectare plantation containing 1,140,000 fully grown marijuana plants was discovered in Mount Chumanchil, Brgy. Loccong, Tinglayan—considered one of the major “heartlands” or primary cultivation areas of marijuana in Kalinga. The discovered marijuana plants have a total Standard Drug Price mentioned above making this the largest amount of marijuana eradicated in a two-day operation in the region.
The operation was under OPLAN “Revisit Everest” under the leadership of PBGEN ERICSON D DILAG, Regional Director of PRO CAR. It was spearheaded by PCOL LEDON D MONTE, Deputy Regional Director for Operations, together with the joint operatives from the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit and Provincial Intelligence Unit of Kalinga PPO, Mountain Province PPO Regional Drug Enforcement Unit, all Municipal Police Stations and Provincial Mobile Force Companies of Kalinga PPO, 2nd PMFC of Mountain Province PPO, Kalinga Provincial Medical and Dental Team, Regional Intelligence Division, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15, and Provincial Intelligence Team-Kalinga.
After documentation, all discovered marijuana plants were immediately uprooted and burned onsite, while a thorough investigation remains ongoing to identify those responsible for the illegal cultivation activities.
As a symbolic gesture of reclaiming the area from illegal activities and promoting environmental restoration, the operating troops also conducted a flag raising ceremony at the site and planted tree seedlings in place of the eradicated marijuana plants. The activity highlighted the government’s commitment not only to law enforcement but also to environmental preservation and sustainable community development.
In his message during the flag raising ceremony, PCOL MONTE said that raising the Philippine flag demonstrates that the government is in control of the area. He further stated, “Mt. Chumanchil belongs to us, the people of Cordillera, and we will not allow anyone to destroy our children’s future.”
This successful operation once again highlights the unwavering commitment of PRO CAR to its campaign against illegal drugs. Through intensified operations, strengthened coordination, and active community cooperation, PRO CAR remains steadfast in eliminating marijuana plantations and maintaining safe, peaceful, and drug-free communities across the Cordillera region.
