Marijuana planter faces complaint at prosecutor

CEBU, Philippines - A criminal complaint was filed before the Office of the Cebu City Prosecutor against a marijuana cultivator who claims he was ordered by “God” to grow the weed in his front yard.

Police Officer 1 Remon Calumboy, of the Cebu City Public Safety Company who arrested the suspect, said that Cicilio Cariñosa, 36, a resident of Sitio Cogon, Barangay Labangon, Cebu City, is facing a non-bailable case for violation of Section 16, Article 2 of the Republic Act 9165 or the cultivation or culture of plants classified as dangerous drugs.

 Calumboy said that in an inquest proceeding Tuesday afternoon, Cariñosa signed a waiver of detention to avail of his right to a preliminary investigation.

Assistant Cebu City Prosecutor Alex Gabud gave him until August 13 to file his counter-affidavit.

Cariñosa was arrested inside his makeshift house Sunday afternoon after the police confirmed a report that he was cultivating a garden full of marijuana plants.

 At least 50 marijuana plants were uprooted by CCPSC and the City Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group in Cariñosa’s yard.

 Cariñosa earlier admitted planting marijuana in his front yard but claimed he was asked by “God” to plant them for medicinal purposes and help his neighbors cure their illnesses.

 He also said that he is not insane and that he is innocent, adding that he was just following what was written in the Bible.

 Cariñosa may be subjected to neuropsychological examination after the police observed something “odd” about the way he acts while in detention. (FREEMAN)