CAGAYAN de Oro City — Authorities seized heavy equipment worth an estimated ₱45 million, arrested six people and rescued a minor during an operation against suspected illegal mining in Barangay Tuburan, Cagayan de Oro City, early Friday, November 6.
The operation took place in Sitio Pin-as as part of the government's enforcement of a mining moratorium covering identified areas of Opol, Misamis Oriental, and portions along the Iponan River.
The Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10) led the operation with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-10, supported by personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, Regional Intelligence Division 10 and Police Station 8.
Authorities said the operation sought to enforce Republic Act 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, and address unauthorized mining and mineral processing activities.
The six arrested individuals, aged 18 to 43, reportedly came from Agusan del Sur, Davao de Oro, Davao City, Surigao del Norte, Surigao City and Dinagat Islands.
Authorities initially seized 12 excavators, three dump trucks, two trommels, two tow trucks, two generators, and one crawler truck. The equipment has an estimated combined value of ₱45 million.
A minor was also rescued from the site. Authorities have not disclosed the circumstances surrounding the child's presence or possible involvement in the activities at the mining site.
Initial investigation indicated that the suspected illegal mining activities were allegedly being carried out under the guise of a quarrying operation and were reportedly facilitated and financed by a Chinese national.
The operation followed the moratorium announced by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-10 on October 19 in response to reported illegal and unauthorized mining and mineral processing activities in Opol, including areas along the Iponan River.
The moratorium covers mining operations, the processing of mining applications and petitions for Minahang Bayan declarations, including those under Interim Small-Scale Mining Contracts. It also covers reviewing inactive mining permits and contracts.
The DENR said the activities raised concerns over environmental damage, water quality, geological stability and public safety.
PRO-10 Regional Director PBGen Nestor C. Babagay Jr. said police would continue working with the MGB and other government agencies to prevent illegal activities involving natural resources.
“We will continue to work closely with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and other concerned government agencies to ensure that activities involving our natural resources are conducted within the bounds of the law,” Babagay said.
He said illegal mining would not be tolerated, particularly when it threatens waterways, the environment and community safety.
PRO-10 said it would continue to support environmental protection and law enforcement operations across Northern Mindanao.
