At least four people were arrested in an anti-illegal mining operation in Barangay Bilay, Butuan City on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

The four alleged illegal miners are residents of Barangays Bilay and Aupagan.

Police said they were arrested for alleged violation of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 (RA 7942), City Ordinance No. 7244-2025, and DENR Administrative Order 2010-21.

Authorities also confiscated several mining paraphernalia.

The suspects and the items seized were brought to the Butuan City Mobile Force Company headquarters after the operation.

"Dili nato tugotan nga magpadayon kining mga illegal mining activities nga naghatag og kadaot sa atong kinaiyahan. Ang BCPO magpabilin nga agresibo batok sa mga illegal activities dinhi sa syudad. Giawhag nako ang mga Butuanon nga padayon sa pagsuporta sa atong BACAP, pinaagi sa pagtaho sa mga illegal nga binuhatan,” the Butuan City Police Office said.

The city government confirmed that illegal mining activities are still ongoing in the area using placer method, which has caused environmental damage, particularly in nearby creeks and rivers.

The local government explained that it continues to take measures to stop any form of illegal mining that harms the environment.