Authorities have arrested seven Chinese nationals and seized alleged copper ore and mining equipment worth millions in an anti-illegal mining operation in Gango, Libona, Bukidnon.

The operation was carried out by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and assisted by police officers, in coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

During the operation, the team discovered a big underground tunnel allegedly used for extracting minerals.

They also found heavy equipment, including dump trucks, backhoes, large generator sets, and processing plants.

Several commercial explosives without proper permits, indicating potential use for blasting, were also confiscated.

The seven foreigners – all males – allegedly caught in the act of conducting mining activities were taken into custody.

“Operations like this show that the law will be enforced without exception. Ang mga lumalabag sa batas ay hindi natin palalampasin at mananagot sa kanilang ginawa,” Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., said.

“Our personnel are committed to protecting both communities and natural resources. Pinangangalagaan natin ang kaligtasan ng mamamayan at ang ating kalikasan mula sa ilegal na gawain,” he added.

Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Director, Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano, said the arrested foreigners may face charges for violation of mining, environmental, and other laws.

“Malinaw ang ating paninindigan laban sa ilegal na pagmimina. Hindi natin papayagan ang sinuman na sirain ang ating kalikasan at ilagay sa panganib ang ating mga komunidad,” Abrahano said.