News:2026-02-12/Enforcement/pdea-army-destroy-18-2m-marijuana-plantations-in-kalingalan-caluang-sulu-seize-six-high-powered-firearms

12 February 2026

Philippines eradication campaigns (2026)

Enforcement

Philippines·Sulu·Kalingalan Caluang·Pitogo; Masjid Punjungan

PDEA, Army destroy ₱18.2M marijuana plantations in Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu; seize six high-powered firearms

A joint law enforcement operation on the afternoon of 12 February 2026 destroyed two cannabis plantations in Barangays Pitogo and Masjid Punjungan, Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu. Authorities uprooted and burned approximately 21,200 fully grown plants across roughly two hectares, with three sacks of dried cannabis leaves also seized. The combined value was reported at ₱18.232 million. Six high-powered firearms, including four M-16 rifles, one M-14 rifle, and a Garand rifle, together with ammunition, were recovered from a makeshift shelter on the farm. The operation was led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 9 under Director Bryan Bating and drew in nine or more supporting units across the Philippine Army, Marines, Special Action Force, and Sulu police. It was acted on reports from Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan Jr. and local leaders. The alleged cultivator, identified only by the alias "Mods," and his associates evaded arrest and were being pursued. Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos of the Army's 1102nd Infantry Brigade described the plantations as evidence of an "organized and well-established illegal cultivation operation" in remote, difficult terrain.

Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2181808/p18-2-million-marijuana-plants-destroyed-in-sulu

2026-02-12 Enforcement PDEA, Army destroy ₱18.2M marijuana plantations in Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu; seize six high-powered firearms A joint law enforcement operation on the afternoon of 12 February 2026 destroyed two cannabis plantations in Barangays Pitogo and Masjid Punjungan, Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu. Authorities uprooted and burned approximately 21,200 fully grown plants across roughly two hectares, with three sacks of dried cannabis leaves also seized. The combined value was reported at ₱18.232 million. Six high-powered firearms, including four M-16 rifles, one M-14 rifle, and a Garand rifle, together with ammunition, were recovered from a makeshift shelter on the farm. The operation was led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 9 under Director Bryan Bating and drew in nine or more supporting units across the Philippine Army, Marines, Special Action Force, and Sulu police. It was acted on reports from Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan Jr. and local leaders. The alleged cultivator, identified only by the alias "Mods," and his associates evaded arrest and were being pursued. Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos of the Army's 1102nd Infantry Brigade described the plantations as evidence of an "organized and well-established illegal cultivation operation" in remote, difficult terrain. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2181808/p18-2-million-marijuana-plants-destroyed-in-sulu Philippines eradication campaigns (2026) Philippines Sulu Kalingalan Caluang Pitogo; Masjid Punjungan 5° 54' 0.00" N, 121° 18' 36.00" E Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency; Philippine Army 1102nd Infantry Brigade; Philippine National Police; Special Action Force; Philippine Marine Corps 2