Two police officers, a barangay councilman, and five others were arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities in Manticao, Misamis Oriental.
Police launched the operation after receiving information from residents about the illegal mining operation in the area.
"Sa ilang pag-flag down niini, nihunong ang mga sakyanan ug ang mga sakay nidagan. Gi-conduct ang hot pursuit ug nasikop sila ug gidala pagbalik sa ilang sakyanan. Didto nakita nga ang mga sakyanan naay sulod nga mga sacks of minerals,” Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Spokesperson, Major Joann Navarro, said.
The two police officers arrested were a suspended police staff sergeant assigned in Iligan City and a staff master sergeant assigned at the Davao de Oro Police Provincial Office.
A barangay councilman in Iligan City and five others were also arrested during the operation.
Seized from the suspects were sacks of minerals, four guns, and ammunition.
“Adunay usa ka bongo, usa ka multicab, ug duha ka mini dumptruck… apil pud niana atong na-confiscate ang mga armas diin adunay duha ka 9mm, adunay 45, ug shotgun,” Navarro said.
The suspects were taken into police custody and will face charges for alleged violation of the Philippine Mining Act, Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591), and election gun ban.
“Mag atubang sila ug kasong for violation of Philippine Mining Act tungod sab kay nakuhaa sila ug armas they will be charge for violation of RA 10591 ug apil na sab sa atong election gun ban,” Navarro added.
