The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-SOCCSKSARGEN (DENR-12) has launched an investigation into the death of two alleged illegal miners in Tampakan, South Cotabato.

DENR-12 formed a composite team composed of members from DENR-12, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) General Santos City, and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau 12 (MGB-12) to lead the investigation.

DENR-12 said the suspected illegal small-scale mining operations in Sitio Campo Kilot in Barangay Pulabato resulted in the death of two individuals allegedly involved in illegal ‘banlas’ operations.

Banlas operation or hydraulic mining is a form of unauthorized, small-scale mining that uses high-pressure water to extract minerals from the soil.

DENR-12 added that the incident followed a similar fatality reported in the same area on July 27, 2025, which prompted authorities to open an investigation.

The team conducted a site verification to trace the water source used in the suspected illegal banlas operations.

“The collaboration assessed the environmental impact and gathered pieces of evidence, following initial reports linking the victims to these hazardous and unregulated activities,” DENR-12 said.

Authorities found several makeshift shanties and an extensive setup of polyethylene hoses worth around P200,000 during the inspection. These materials were used to channel water for the banlas operation.

The equipment was dismantled as part of the DENR’s efforts to stop illegal small-scale mining in the area.

“It was noted that the terrain and illicit modifications likely contributed to the incident, which proved fatal for those involved in the operations,” DENR-12 said.

DENR-12 said that it would pursue legal action where necessary and step up monitoring to prevent similar incidents.

“We continue to remind the public that engaging in unregulated and unlawful mining not only destroy our ecosystems but also poses severe threats to human life,” DENR-12 Regional Executive Director, Atty. Felix Alicer, said.