7 Chinese caught in illegal mining operation in Libona, Bukidnon

Seven Chinese male nationals were recently arrested for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in Libona, Bukidnon, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the PNP said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) led the raid at an illegal mining site on Tuesday, February 9.

Authorities found a vast underground tunnel used for mineral extraction and heavy equipment including dump trucks, backhoes, large generator sets, and processing plants.

Also recovered were commercial explosives without proper permits as well as copper ore.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez assured that the police force is “committed to protecting both communities and natural resources.”

“Operations like this show that the law will be enforced without exception. Ang mga lumalabag sa batas ay hindi natin palalampasin at mananagot sa kanilang ginawa (We will not let violators of the law get away with their crimes),” he added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News