KALINGALAN CALUANG, Sulu — Authorities seized an estimated ₱18.2 million worth of marijuana plants and dried marijuana during a large-scale anti-drug operation conducted in a remote area of Barangay Pitogo, Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu, on Wednesday afternoon, February 12, 2026.
The operation, led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)–Sulu Provincial Office, resulted in the discovery and destruction of approximately 21,200 fully grown marijuana plants and three sacks of dried marijuana leaves. The illegal plantation covered an estimated 12,500 square meters and was hidden deep inside a forested area, according to officials.
The joint operation was carried out at around 5:45 p.m. following weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering. Authorities said the plantation was believed to be operated by a known drug personality identified only by the alias “Mods” and his associates.
However, the suspects were not present at the site when operatives arrived.
“No individuals were apprehended during the operation as the suspects had already fled prior to the arrival of authorities,” PDEA-Sulu said in a statement.
Aside from the illegal drugs, law enforcement officers also recovered several high-powered firearms and ammunition from the area. These included one M1 Garand rifle, four M16 rifles, one US M14 rifle, magazines, assorted ammunition, and a brown bag believed to have been used by the operators of the plantation.
Authorities said the presence of multiple firearms suggests that the marijuana farm was heavily guarded and possibly linked to armed groups operating in the area.
All seized items were properly documented and turned over to PDEA-Sulu for further investigation and case buildup.
PDEA said cases will be filed against the suspects for violation of Section 16 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the cultivation of dangerous drugs.
The anti-drug operation was conducted in coordination with various law enforcement and military units, including the Kalingalan Caluang Municipal Police Station, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, Regional Intelligence Unit IX-PEMS, 21st Infantry Battalion, Sulu Police Provincial Office Provincial Intelligence Unit, 54th Special Action Company of the 5th Special Action Battalion, RMFB9-905th Maneuver Company, 2nd PMFC, 101st Infantry Battalion, 11th Infantry Battalion, and the 2nd Infantry Regiment.
Officials emphasized that the successful operation highlights the strengthened cooperation among law enforcement agencies and the military in combating illegal drugs and dismantling drug networks in conflict-prone and geographically isolated areas.
“This seizure is a significant blow to the illegal drug trade in Sulu and in the entire region. We remain committed to intensifying our operations to prevent the proliferation of illegal drugs and ensure the safety of our communities,” PDEA-Sulu said.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify and locate the individuals responsible for the illegal plantation and to determine possible links to larger drug syndicates operating in Mindanao.