8 Chinese, 1 Pinoy arrested for illegal mining in Pagadian City

Published May 22, 2014 5:08pm

Eight Chinese nationals and a Filipino were arrested early this week in Barangay Lower Sibatang in Pagadian City for illegal mining and quarrying, police said Thursday.

In an interview with reporters, Superintendent Glenn Dulawan, Pagadian City police chief, said the suspects were immediately subjected to inquest proceedings after they were arrested in a joint operation conducted by the local police and environment authorities.

In a separate statement, the Pagadian City Police said charged were Chinese nationals:

Xiaomin, 36 years old;
Dongdong, 39 years old;
Tangzihan, 25 years old;
Liu Gi Yi, 29 years old, with passport and tourist visa;
Chung Yong de, 27 years old, with passport and tourist visa;
Zhang Shu Kei, 24 years old, with passport and tourist visa;
Duan Guang Zong, 55 years old, with passport and tourist visa; and
Lui Chang Yin, 50 years old.

On the other hand, the Filipino was identified as Jennilyn Ramirez, 25 years old, and a resident of Igang, Masbate.

The statement also said recovered during the joint operation were two caterpillar backhoe and several doormats "used for filtering."

Dulawan said the suspects have not sought the permission of the local and provincial government to operate in the area.

He noted that the suspects have been illegally operating in the area for at least two weeks before they were arrested.

When asked what the suspects were mining, Dulawan said: "Goldust. Kasi may mga gamit sila pang filter pati mercury makita mo sa filter, hindi ko alam ano term doon pero may mga mercury." — with Amanda Fernandez/RSJ, GMA News

Tags: illegalmining, pagadiancity