KALINGALAN CALUANG, Sulu — Feb. 12, 2026 — Joint Philippine law enforcement and military units dismantled what authorities described as a large-scale marijuana cultivation network in this island municipality on Thursday, destroying more than 21,000 plants and recovering a cache of high-powered firearms in a coordinated operation that officials said underscores ongoing security challenges in remote parts of Sulu.
The operation, conducted in the upland barangays of Masjid Punjungan and Pitogo, was led by the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade under the 11th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. It involved personnel from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Philippine National Police and other specialized police and military units assigned to Sulu.
Authorities said government forces uprooted and destroyed approximately 21,200 fully grown marijuana plants cultivated across multiple plantation sites concealed in rugged and forested terrain. Three sacks of dried marijuana leaves were also recovered. The estimated standard drug price and street value of the confiscated and destroyed marijuana was placed at ₱18,232,000.
Officials described the plantations as organized and well-established, citing the number of plants, their maturity and the strategic location of the sites. The cultivation areas were situated in elevated, difficult-to-access zones, suggesting deliberate efforts to shield the operation from routine patrols and aerial observation.
Although the primary suspect, identified by authorities only by the alias “Mods,” and several associates evaded arrest during the operation, security forces secured the plantation areas without reported casualties.
In addition to narcotics, troops recovered six high-powered firearms: four M16 rifles, one M14 rifle and one M1 Garand rifle, along with assorted magazines and ammunition. Authorities said the presence of military-grade weapons indicated that the plantation sites were not merely agricultural operations but were protected by armed elements.
Lt. Col. Ronald A. Borras, commanding officer of the 21st Infantry “Invincible” Battalion, said the operation reflected sustained intelligence coordination among national and local agencies.
“This successful law enforcement operation demonstrates strong inter-agency cooperation,” Lt. Col. Borras said. “We will conduct follow-up actions to prevent the reestablishment of illegal activities in our area of responsibility.”
The joint forces included elements of the 21st Infantry Battalion, the 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion, the Sulu Police Provincial Office, the 54th Special Action Company of the 5th Special Action Battalion of the PNP Special Action Force, the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company in Sulu, the 905th Maneuver Company of Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 and the Municipal Police Station of Kalingalan Caluang.
Mayor Nurshamier A. Halun of Kalingalan Caluang welcomed the outcome of the operation, expressing support for continued cooperation between local government and national agencies.
“The Municipality of Kalingalan Caluang extends its gratitude to the joint forces for this successful operation against marijuana cultivation,” Mayor Halun said in a statement. “Our community stands with law enforcement in protecting our youth and safeguarding families from the harmful effects of illegal drugs.”
Security officials said the discovery of high-powered firearms at the plantation sites highlighted broader concerns about the intersection of illegal drug operations and armed activity in remote areas of Sulu. The province has experienced decades of instability linked to insurgency, extremist groups and organized criminal networks, though recent years have seen a decline in large-scale violence.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, said dismantling large-scale marijuana plantations disrupts both illicit drug distribution and potential funding channels for armed groups.
“The removal of these plantations weakens illegal networks and reduces opportunities for lawless elements to finance their activities,” Brig. Gen. Delos Santos said. “We will continue supporting law enforcement efforts to maintain stability across our operational areas.”
Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, commander of Joint Task Force Orion and the 11th Infantry Division, described the operation as an example of coordinated security action in Sulu.
“These results demonstrate the effectiveness of unified efforts among the AFP, PDEA, PNP and local government units,” Maj. Gen. Peña said. “Sustained collaboration remains essential to preserving peace and preventing the resurgence of criminal activity.”
Kalingalan Caluang’s geography presents operational challenges for enforcement agencies. The municipality comprises scattered island communities and upland terrain that can be difficult to access without prolonged ground movement. Officials said the plantation sites required coordinated movement by joint forces due to limited infrastructure and natural barriers.
Authorities confirmed that the marijuana plants were destroyed on-site in accordance with established procedures. Proper documentation and inventory were conducted in the presence of required witnesses from law enforcement and local government agencies.
Investigations are ongoing to identify additional individuals involved in the cultivation network and to determine whether the operation was linked to other illegal activities in the province. Officials declined to release further intelligence details, citing security considerations.
The Armed Forces and partner agencies reiterated their commitment to continuing anti-illegal drug operations in coordination with civilian authorities. In a statement authenticated by Capt. Genesis S. Dizon, chief of the Division Public Affairs Office of the 11th Infantry Division, the military emphasized its support for sustained inter-agency cooperation.
“The 11th Infantry ‘Alakdan’ Division remains committed to supporting anti-illegal drug efforts and strengthening security partnerships to ensure safer communities in Sulu,” the statement said.
Security officials said follow-up operations are being planned to locate the fleeing suspect and assess whether additional plantation sites remain in surrounding areas. Residents were encouraged to report suspicious activity to local authorities.
While the eradication of more than 21,000 marijuana plants marks a significant operational achievement, authorities acknowledged that long-term stability depends on continued vigilance, community engagement and coordinated enforcement.
For now, officials described the February 12 operation as a targeted disruption of an organized illegal enterprise operating in one of the province’s most remote municipalities — a development they say contributes to broader efforts to secure communities and uphold the rule of law in Sulu.