Authorities seized illegal mining equipment and mineral ores worth nearly P1.2 million in Barangay Mahayahay, Manticao, Misamis Oriental.

Personnel of the Regional Special Operations Unit-10, Regional Mobile Force Battalion-10, and deputized personnel from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-10 conducted the operation after receiving information about the presence of illegal mining operation in the area.

The confiscated items included seven pieces of rod mill drums, a three-meter connecting rod, and 500 sacks of mineral ores.

No one was arrested during the operation.

“PRO-10, in coordination with other government agencies, remains steadfast in enforcing environmental laws such as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. We will not tolerate activities that exploit and damage our environment, and we will continue to pursue those who violate these laws,” Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Director, Brigadier General Rolindo Suguilon, said.

Police urged the public to report illegal mining activities or environmental violations to authorities.

Misamis Oriental Governor Juliette Uy said earlier she is eyeing the legalization of mining operations in some towns in the province.

During her inaugural speech, Uy said she plans to consult with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Northern Mindanao (DENR-10) and the MGB-10 about the plan.

Uy said she is aware that there have been illegal mining activities taking place in the towns of Opol and Manticao.

“Daghan og problema labi na gyud nang mining sa Opol ug Manticao, dapat gyud tutukan na siya diha. So tagaan ta og panahon ni RD. Ang akong hangyo lang kang RD para dili ta magubot ug dili ta magpatay diha kay gold, gold na ra ba na ang istorya diha… ato siyang himuong legal kay kung legal, walay awayan,” Uy said.