In separate operations, the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and Regional Mobile Force Battalion discovered seven marijuana plantation sites in two barangays in Sugpon, Ilocos Sur, with an estimated total value of P7.5 million.

Five plantation sites were found in Barangay Banga with 26 fully grown marijuana plants valued at P5.3 million.

Meanwhile, two plantations found in Barangay Licungan were estimated to be worth P2.2 million.

Authorities uprooted the marijuana plants and burned them on-site.

Police said it was difficult to arrest and chase down the cultivators due to the difficult terrain.

“Doon sa [Barangay] Licungan, wala silang nakita [na cultivator], pero doon sa amin doon sa Barangay Banga, nakatakbo nga lang po dahil sa terrain. Mahirap [dahil] maraming bangin so hindi na namin mahabol sila kasi [mas] alam nila 'yung terrain,” PCPT. Sonny Cabbat, Officer-in-Charge of Sugpon Police Station, said.

The police attribute to poverty the continued illegal cultivation of marijuana plants.

Local government units (LGUs) are improving roads in the area to facilitate faster delivery of services and access to trade.

“Siguro yun yung magandang ginagawa ng gobyerno natin; at least 'yung mga ayuda [at] mga livelihood pwede nating dalhin doon para 'yung kanilang product madali naman nilang maibaba para ma-divert 'yung kanilang gawain,” Cabbat said.