Psycho test eyed for marijuana planter

CEBU, Philippines - A marijuana cultivator claiming he was ordered by “God” to grow the weed in his front yard may be subjected to neuropsychological examination to determine his state of mind.

 Senior Police Officer 4 Rene Cerna, chief investigator of the Cebu City Public Safety Company, which arrested Cicilio Cariñosa last Sunday in Sitio Cogon, Barangay Labangon, said they have observed something “odd” about the way he acts.

“Naka-observe mi nga naa gyu’y something about niya,” said Cerna.

Cerna said that the policemen assigned to watch over the detention cell where the suspect is being held have observed Cariñosa talking to himself.

“Naka-observe gyud mi nga naay gamay o nagpaboangboang siya. Mao man pud na kasagaran i-invoke sa mga nakabuhat og krimen diri gud,” said Cerna.

Cerna said they will seek the guidance of the court on what to do with the suspect. Cariñosa, however, said that he is not insane, saying he was just following what was written in the Bible.

According to him, marijuana leaves can help “heal the corrupted nation.”

He admitted knowing that cultivating marijuana is prohibited in the Philippines. However, he said he was not afraid being arrested because he was just following what “God” has told him.

“Kahibawo ko nga dili gyud ko niya pasagdan,” said Cariñosa.

Cariñosa said that he himself could testify that marijuana can heal because he was allegedly healed from complications in his kidney.

He claimed to have given marijuana leaves to his neighbors because a mixture of seven marijuana leaves with a bottle of water can heal illnesses.

Cariñosa said he got his marijuana seedling from a friend whom he said was also tasked by “God.”

Cerna said Cariñosa will be facing a non-bailable case for violation of Section 16 Article II of the Republic Act 9165 or the cultivation or culture of plants classified as dangerous drugs.

The police also arrested Rasan Dayopay, 31, after he was found in Cariñosa’s place during the raid. Dayopay was also found in possession of marijuana leaves. — (FREEMAN)