News:2026-02-25/Policy/benguet-police-launch-oplan-ultimate-grass-cutter-targeting-marijuana-cultivation

News record25 February 2026Policy

Benguet police launch 'Oplan Ultimate Grass Cutter' targeting marijuana cultivation

The Benguet Provincial Police Office announced implementation of "Oplan Ultimate Grass Cutter" on 25 February 2026, a provincial campaign against cannabis cultivation structured around parallel "soft" and "hard" approaches. The hard approach covers eradication, arrest, and prosecution; the soft approach includes revitalised barangay tanod policing, community lectures, CSR activities, and livelihood and education interventions delivered with other government agencies. Initial implementation covers five barangays across three towns: three in Kibungan, one in Bakun, and one in Kapangan. Preparatory anti-drug summits were held in Kibungan, Kapangan, Bakun, Buguias, and Mankayan. Provincial director Col. Lambert Suerte plans to run the programme for at least a year before assessing results, including the possibility of filing charges against barangay officials in jurisdictions repeatedly subject to eradication. According to Benguet PPO spokesperson Maj. Edwin Sergio, the office seized or destroyed 315,693 fully grown plants and seedlings between 16 January and 26 February 2026. Sergio framed the programme as an effort to "erase" Benguet's identity as a source of cannabis.

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Date25 Feb 2026

CategoryPolicy

CountryPhilippines

State / provinceBenguet

District / areaKibungan; Bakun; Kapangan

AgencyPhilippine National Police

Coordinates16.46, 120.59

Coordinates are approximate.

Source report

2026-02-25 Policy Benguet police launch 'Oplan Ultimate Grass Cutter' targeting marijuana cultivation The Benguet Provincial Police Office announced implementation of "Oplan Ultimate Grass Cutter" on 25 February 2026, a provincial campaign against cannabis cultivation structured around parallel "soft" and "hard" approaches. The hard approach covers eradication, arrest, and prosecution; the soft approach includes revitalised barangay tanod policing, community lectures, CSR activities, and livelihood and education interventions delivered with other government agencies. Initial implementation covers five barangays across three towns: three in Kibungan, one in Bakun, and one in Kapangan. Preparatory anti-drug summits were held in Kibungan, Kapangan, Bakun, Buguias, and Mankayan. Provincial director Col. Lambert Suerte plans to run the programme for at least a year before assessing results, including the possibility of filing charges against barangay officials in jurisdictions repeatedly subject to eradication. According to Benguet PPO spokesperson Maj. Edwin Sergio, the office seized or destroyed 315,693 fully grown plants and seedlings between 16 January and 26 February 2026. Sergio framed the programme as an effort to "erase" Benguet's identity as a source of cannabis. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2187495/oplan-ultimate-grass-cutter-aims-to-curb-benguets-marijuana-menace Philippines Benguet Kibungan Bakun Kapangan Philippine National Police 16° 27' 36.00" N, 120° 35' 24.00" E administrative seat