Authorities seized alleged mineral ores worth nearly P1 million during an anti-illegal mining operation in Opol, Misamis Oriental on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

The operation was launched after the Opol Municipal Police Station received information about the alleged illegal mining operation in Sitio Tanawon, Baranay Limonda.

The operating team discovered up to 625 sacks of mineral ores believed to have been extracted illegally.

Due to lack of transport vehicle at that time, the confiscated mineral ores were guarded at the site while awaiting proper turnover to the government agency concerned.

Investigators are still conducting follow-up operations to identify the personalities behind the illegal activity, which is a violation of the Philippine Mining Act (RA 7942).

Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Director, Brigadier General Rolindo Suguilon, lauded the team for the successful operation and reiterated the police’s commitment to curb illegal mining activities in Northern Mindanao.

“PRO 10 will continue to strengthen coordination with concerned agencies to ensure that those responsible will be held accountable. We urge our communities to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities, especially on illegal mining, to the nearest police station,” Suguilon said.

On Saturday, September 27, police and personnel of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO)-Misamis Oriental also recovered two elf truck loaded with sacks of mineral ores worth more than P269,000 in the same barangay.

However, no one was arrested during the operation.

“Actually pag-abot nila sa area tungod sa kalayo sa area, mahibal-an gyud og adunay authorities nga musaka, magpadulong so nakalayas gyud ni sila,” PRO-10 Spokesperson, Major Joann Navarro, said.

(With reports from Cyril Chaves, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)