Up to 66 people were arrested in separate operations against illegal mining in the Caraga region in the first two months of 2026.

The Police Regional Office-Caraga (PRO-13) said operations will continue across the region.

Police reported that six individuals were arrested in a large-scale operation in Barangay Guinhalinan, Barobo, Surigao del Sur on February 5, 2026.

Authorities confiscated mining equipment, including a dump truck, a backhoe, and other tools.

In Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, six other individuals were arrested after they were complained of alleged illegal treasure hunting in Barangay Tabon.

On February 12, at least 19 individuals were arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal small-scale mining operation in Purok 3, Barangay Danao, Surigao City.

Reports said the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) had ordered the operators to stop their illegal activities prior to the police operation.

PRO-13 said a total of 66 individuals were arrested for violating the Philippine Mining Act (RA 7942) and the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991 (RA 7076).

Of the 66, at least 35 people were arrested in January and 31 people in February, including two Chinese and four Korean nationals.

Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Executive Director Undersecretary Benjamin Acorda vowed to coordinate with officials of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) regarding the status and possible deportation of foreign nationals involved in illegal mining operations in the region.