24 nabbed, P30.8M in equipment, ores seized in Misamis Oriental

Authorities recently seized over P30.8 million in heavy equipment and mineral ores and arrested 24 individuals – including two Chinese nationals – for their alleged involvement in illegal mining in Misamis Oriental, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Sunday.

In a statement, the PNP said the operation was carried out in Sitio Bugwak in Barangay Tingalan in Opol, Misamis Oriental in cooperation with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the arrests and confiscation are a major win against illegal mining.

“This accomplishment reflects our commitment not only to enforce the law but also to advocate for environmental stewardship. Makakalikasan tayo – hindi natin papayagan ang sinuman na sirain ang yaman ng bayan (We are pro-environment – we will not let anyone destroy our natural resources),” Nartatez said.

“This operation is a strong reminder: illegal mining destroys not only the environment but also the lives of our future generations. The PNP will remain vigilant and resolute in protecting our natural resources as part of our core values. Let this serve as a warning to anyone who thinks of exploiting our environment unlawfully,” he added.

Acting on information from a confidential source, authorities arrested 24 persons for allegedly extracting minerals without the necessary permits.

Among those detained were two Chinese nationals overseeing the illegal activities, operators, laborers, welders, and supervisors.

Law enforcers confiscated two backhoes, two generators, six water pumps, two trommels, thirty sacks of mineral ores, and two dump trucks.

The seized equipment and mineral ores were subjected to an inventory in the presence of barangay officials and will be turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) regional office in Cagayan de Oro City for proper disposition.

The PNP said the arrested individuals were informed of their constitutional rights in a language they understood and were provided access to medical evaluation. — JMA, GMA Integrated News