A retired police officer and seven others were arrested in an anti-illegal mining operation in Barangay Limonda, Opol, Misamis Oriental.

The suspects were identified as alias “Jim,” 60, retired policeman and a resident of Cagayan de Oro City; alias “Jho,” 40, a resident of Agusan del Sur; alias “Rani,” 23, a resident of Lanao del Sur; alias “Riz,” 35, a resident of Misamis Oriental; and alias “Ed,” 37, a resident of Bukidnon. The three other suspects, 32, 49, and 45 years old, are residents of Davao de Oro.

During the operation, operatives posing as buyers of mining products caught the suspects in the act of conducting illegal mining activities.

The suspects reportedly failed to present documents or permits, prompting authorities to arrest them.

Seized during the operation were mining equipment and sacks of suspected mineral ores worth more than P1.1 million.

The suspects arrested may face charges for alleged violation of the Philippine Mining Act (RA 7942).

“The success of this operation serves as a clear warning that we will not tolerate any illegal mining that destroys our natural resources and violates our laws. Those involved in these illegal activities in the region will be held accountable. We will remain steadfast in our commitment to enforce the law and protect the environment,” Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Director, Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano, said.