Authorities seized mining equipment and other tools during a raid at an alleged illegal mining site in Barangay Tingalan, Opol, Misamis Oriental on Friday, May 3, 2024.

Prior to the raid, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation-Northern Mindanao (NBI-10), police, and members of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Northern Mindanao (MGB-10) conducted extensive surveillance operations to gather evidence against people allegedly mining illegally in the area.

Upon arrival at the site, the enforcement team witnessed an ongoing excavation, extraction, and transportation of fluvial deposits, and sand and gravel minerals, using heavy equipment and various mining paraphernalia.

However, the operators reportedly fled the area upon detecting the enforcement team. Pursuit ensued but the operators managed to escape.

The team seized three backhoes, a payloader, three dump trucks, generator sets, water pumps, sluice mats, and other mining tools.

The NBI-10 said efforts will continue to apprehend the operators and dismantle illegal mining operations in the area.