15 arrested as illegal mining ops shuttered in Albay town

Authorities dismantled an illegal mining operation in Rapu-Rapu, Albay that also led to the arrest of 15 individuals for their alleged illegal, small-scale mining activities, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement, the PNP said its Police Regional Office 5 (PRO 5) carried out the operation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and the local government unit (LGU) of Rapu-Rapu.

Recovered were key mining equipment, including a Blackstone water pump, a rod mill, a Yama 12 KB generator, 10 sacks of tailings, one pail of ore concentrate minerals, and various mining and panning tools.

The confiscated items are worth P103,500.

The MGB immediately ordered the closure of the mining site for violations of Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and Republic Act 7076 or the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991.

The arrested individuals are under the custody of the Rapu-Rapu Municipal Police Station and will face charges for illegal mining and related offenses.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. vowed that law enforcement agencies will “not allow our natural resources to be exploited unlawfully.”

“Environmental crimes are serious offenses. Through intelligence-driven operations and partnerships with agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, we will continue to hold violators accountable,” he said.

Illegal mining poses serious risks, including deforestation, soil erosion, river siltation, and contamination of water systems.

Unregulated operations also increase the threat of landslides and floods, endanger surrounding communities, and undermine legitimate mining enterprises that adhere to safety and environmental standards.

Nartatez underscored the need to protect the environment, stressing that each tree and each river is important for both livelihood and safety.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any unlawful environmental activities. Your cooperation is key in safeguarding our natural heritage,” he added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News