Authorities arrested seven Chinese nationals and seized mining equipment worth nearly P19 million during an anti-illegal mining operation in Barangay Tingalan, Opol, Misamis Oriental.

According to the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10), the operation was launched after authorities received information regarding the alleged involvement of the foreigners in unauthorized mining activities in the area.

Police said the suspects also employed several locals but they managed to escape when authorities arrived.

Seized during the operation were hydraulic excavators, wheel loader, two rolls of carpet/matting, a sack of washed sand, two sets of water pump, and a water hose worth more than P18.9 million.

The equipment confiscated were turned over to the barangay for safekeeping while other pieces of evidence were brought to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Northern Mindanao (MGB-10).

The suspects arrested will face charges for violation of the Philippine Mining Act (RA 7942).

PRO-10 said that the foreigners, five men and two women, allegedly entered the Philippines as tourists.

Authorities are coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to verify their immigration status, travel records, and potential criminal history.

“This includes determining whether they have valid documentation for their stay in the Philippines or any outstanding criminal cases in the country or abroad,” PRO-10 said.

PRO-10 urged the public to report any illegal activities that threaten the environment.

“We, along with other law enforcement units, remain relentless in our pursuit of those who violate environmental laws and will continue to strengthen our collaboration with partner agencies to ensure that offenders are held accountable,” PRO-10 Director, Brigadier General Rolindo Suguilon, said.