Five people were arrested for alleged illegal possession of explosives for an illegal mining activity in Butuan City.

A concerned citizen tipped the police about an alleged illegal mining activity at a mountainous area, prompting the police and personnel of the City Environment and Natural Resources to launch an operation.

Authorities caught the suspects holding explosives in the middle of an illegal mining operation. The suspects reportedly failed to present a permit.

Confiscated from the suspects were around 1.6 kilos of ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, non-electric blasting cap, improvised wooden flushing box, among others.

The items seized were turned over to the Butuan City Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit. The suspects may face charges for illegal possession of explosives.

“We attribute the success of this operation to the support of the community who directly coordinated with the local police. May this inspire others to take part in our neighborhood watch to preempt such abusive activity that may cause untoward incidents in the future,” Police Regional Office-Caraga (PRO-13) Director, Brigadier General Alan Nazarro, said.