One-day drugs ops yield P16,000 worth of marijuana plants in Benguet
As part of the intensified anti-illegal drugs campaign of Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR), the Cabalyero Cops of Benguet Police Provincial Office (PPO) discovered and destroyed PhP516,000.00 worth of marijuana plants during the marijuana eradication operations conducted in the province of Benguet on December 28, 2024.
In Kibungan, three marijuana plantation sites planted with 1,800 pieces of Fully Grown Marijuana Plants (FGMJP) with a Standard Drug Price (SDP) of PhP360,000.00 were discovered by the joint operatives of Kibungan Municipal Police Station (MPS), Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) and Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of Benguet PPO, Regional Intelligence Division (RID) of PRO-CAR, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in Sitio Lepting, Brgy. Tacadang.
Meanwhile, in Kapangan, 780 pieces of FGMJP with an SDP of Php156,000.00 were found by the operatives of 2nd Benguet Provincial Mobile Force Company, Kapangan MPS, PDEU and PIU of Benguet PPO, RID PRO-CAR, Regional Intelligence Unit-14, and PDEA-CAR across two marijuana plantation sites in Sitio Pagubo and Sitio Copias, Brgy. Gadang.
All discovered marijuana plants were documented, uprooted, and burned on-site, while enough samples were taken for submission to the Regional Forensic Unit-CAR.
4928 pieces of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, destroyed in Baguio City
In a ceremonial act symbolizing the government’s firm stance against the use and proliferation of dangerous firecrackers, a total of 4,928 pieces of confiscated/surrendered illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices were destroyed during the ceremony held at the Melvin Jones Grounds, Baguio City on December 31, 2024.
During the event, PBGEN DAVID K PEREDO, JR, Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) Regional Director, along with Hon. Benjamin B. Magalong, City Mayor of Baguio, and PCOL RUEL D TAGEL, City Director of Baguio City Police Office, led the ceremonial destruction of the various firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices by soaking them in water and running them over by a truck.
The activity highlights PRO-CAR’s commitment to public safety and the strict enforcement of R.A. 7183, also known as the “Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution, and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices,” and the City Ordinance No. 53 s. 2009, which emphasizes the total ban at all times, in the city of Baguio, of all kinds of firecrackers prohibited by national law.
Over the past weeks, police operatives worked tirelessly to confiscate these hazardous materials to prevent accidents, injuries, and loss of life associated with their use. The collected items, which included boga and unlicensed firecrackers, pose severe risks to the community, prompting the need for their safe disposal.
In his message, PBGEN PEREDO, JR emphasized the importance of community cooperation in ensuring a safe and peaceful celebration of the New Year. He acknowledged the efforts of law enforcement units and local government officials in enforcing the law and raising awareness about the dangers of illegal fireworks.
“Our collective action today demonstrates our unwavering resolve to safeguard lives and uphold public order,” the Regional Director said.
Moreover, Mayor Magalong also commended the police force and other stakeholders for their proactive measures. He also called on residents to support the campaign by promoting safer, more sustainable ways to celebrate special occasions.
