Three of the four suspects nabbed by policemen who swooped down on an alleged marijuana plantation, Saturday, pointed to the Sangguniang Kabataan chairman of Barangay Dalaupon, Tayasan in Oriental Negros, as the one behind the illegal activity.

SK chairman Ringi dela Cerna, however, denied the allegations and claimed he was not aware that planting marijuana is illegal under the law.

He said that he just knew that marijuana is a medicinal plant for stomachache. Records, showed though, that all of the confiscated marijuana plants were found on land owned by the Dela Cernas.

Arrested along with De la Cerna were Roline Espraguera, Romnick Callao and Ronualdo Gador. At least 47 seedlings were uprooted during the joint operation of the PNP Provincial Command, Ayungon police station, 705th Mobile Group, and 61st IB of the Philippine Army in Tayasan.

PNP provincial director, S/Supt. Melvin Buenafe, said they will continue to monitor the area in Tayasan and Guihulngan towns where there are reports of marijuana plantations.

He said that in early April, they received reports that some residents in Barangay Dalaupon harvested 300 full-grown marijuana plants and reportedly delivered them to some parts of the province.

Buenafe said most of the areas planted with marijuana are secluded and are purposely hidden under shrubs or mixed with other crops.

He said this kind of business is growing boldly in these areas as some suspects are reportedly selling marijuana during agri-trade fairs every weekends, in Barangay Nabilog, in Tayasan.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police Provincial command will conduct an in-depth investigation to determine the identity of a certain "Nilo" who allegedly supplied the marijuana seeds in Tayasan, Buenafe added.*MA

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