PNP EYES RAPS V. OWNERS OF LAND PLANTED WITH POT

THE deputy chief of the Narcotics Group of the Philippine National Police
Friday stressed that one of the most effective approaches in making the
Cordillera a "marijuana-free region" is to file criminal charges against
owners of lands planted with marijuana.

Chief Supt. Ruben Cabagnut said it has been his observation that the region
remains to be the major source of marijuana supply in the country because no
criminal case has been filed against land owners where the prohibited plant
is being cultivated.

"We commend the regional police in their relentless effort to curb marijuana
(cultivation) in the Cordillera but it would also be best if we find ways on
how to file criminal charges against the owners of these lands," he added.

It was reported earlier that 70 percent of the total marijuana supply in the
Philippines are being produced clandestinely and shipped from the provinces
of Kalinga, Ifugao, Benguet and Mt. Province.

Cabagnut and PNP Director General Hermogenes Ebdane as well as other PNP,
Armed Forces of the Philippines and national government agencies officials,
were in Baguio for the 99th National Law Enforcement Council (Nalec) meeting
at Camp John Hay.

Cabagnut's observation came after Chief Supt. George Alino, director of the
Cordillera Police Regional Office, told Nalec participants that PRO-CAR is
gaining headway in its campaign against marijuana and other illegal drugs in
here.

He said that PRO-CAR has already destroyed more than P400 million worth of
marijuana in just six months, adding that they are targeting to destroy more
than P1 billion worth of marijuana at the end of this year.

Alino also reported to Ebdane that the marijuana supply in Metro Manila and
other parts of the country is becoming minimal as a result of such
relentless efforts.

"We also received reports that the price of marijuana has increase due to
the minimal supply," he said.

Reacting to the proposed filing of criminal charges against landowners,
Alino explained that a study conducted by his office showed that 85 percent
of the lands planted to marijuana are located in mountainous areas in the
region and only the remaining 15 percent was reportedly classified as
alienable and disposable lands.

"Anyway, the idea is welcome," he added.