By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISO, Agusan del Sur — Authorities uprooted and destroyed about 11,000 fully grown marijuana plants and 300 seedlings worth an estimated P2.21 million in an anti-illegal drug operation in a remote village in Loreto town this province on Thursday April 16, 2026.
The operation was conducted at around 6:20 p.m.inSitio Bagtok, Barangay Kasapa 1, according to the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO-13).
Police said the operation was carried out by joint operatives from the Provincial Intelligence Unit, Loreto Municipal Police Station, and the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companyof the Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Agusan del Sur Provincial Office and the60th Infantry Battalionof the Philippine Army.
Brig. Gen. Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado IV, PRO-13 regional director, said the raid stemmed from verified intelligence reports about the presence of a marijuana plantation in the area.
After validating the information and coordinating with partner agencies, authorities proceeded to the site, which police said was about 16 kilometers from the barangay proper and accessible only on foot.
Magistrado said the operation showed the strong coordination among law enforcement units, partner agencies, and the community.
“This accomplishment highlights the strength of collaboration between the community, the police, and our partner agencies. Despite the challenging terrain, our personnel trekked 16 kilometers to reach the site, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to serve and protect our people,” he said.
No suspects were arrested during the operation, police said. However, authorities said they had already identified the alleged owner-cultivator of the plantation, who will face charges for violating Article II, Section 16 of Republic Act No. 9165, or theComprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Magistrado warned individuals behind illegal drug operations that police would continue to pursue them.
PRO-13 said anti-illegal drug operations would continue across the region, particularly in remote and high-risk areas, as part of efforts to keep the Caraga region safe and drug-free.
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