LAOAG CITY, June 19 -- Authorities destroyed marijuana plants worth over PHP3.28 million in the rugged highlands of Sugpon, Ilocos Sur, following two successive operations by police and partner agencies this week.

Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office Director Col. Agosto Asuncion said 16,400 fully grown marijuana plants were destroyed, valued at PHP3.2 million.

On June 15, a marijuana plantation covering approximately 550 square meters was discovered in Barangay Licungan, Sugpon, containing 4,400 fully grown marijuana plants valued at PHP880,000. The operation was conducted by the 2nd Ilocos Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company.

On June 17, a joint operation led by the Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations...