TACLOBAN CITY – A “plantito” (plant enthusiast) was arrested in Barangay Carapdapan, Arteche, Eastern Samar Thursday for having marijuana aside from his ornamental plants.
The suspect, identified as Jose Batinga, 42, separated, farmer, was arrested at around 7:30 a.m.
Police Lt. Marlo Capate, Arteche police chief, said a concerned citizen reported an ongoing illegal gambling activity in their barangay. Upon verification, the operating troops failed to catch the violators but one of the police officers saw the suspect watering his plants.
The cops, together with barangay officials, saw two suspected marijuana plants allegedly owned by the suspect.
He was immediately arrested and was brought to Arteche Municipal Police Station with the two pots of marijuana plants for proper disposition.
Mayor Roland Evardone said that while he understands the difficulty that people are going through due to the global health crisis, he hopes that they will not resort to illegal activities that could destroy society, especially the children.