Authorities arrested three men and seized mining equipment worth around P15.6 million in Barangay Tumpagon, Cagayan de Oro City.

According to the Criminal and Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the suspects were allegedly caught excavating in a mining area without the necessary permits from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Northern Mindanao (MGB-10).

Confiscated during the operation were heavy equipment and mining machines and tools, including backhoes, water pumps, welding machines, generator sets, trommels, among others, worth around P15.6 million.

CIDG stressed that all mineral resources in public and private lands within the territory and exclusive economic zone of the Philippines are owned by the state.

“The State promotes their rational exploration, development, utilization and conservation through the combined efforts of government and the private sector in order to enhance national growth in a way that effectively safeguards the environment and protects the rights of affected communities.,” CIDG director, Major General Robert Morico II, said.

CIDG urged the public to report all violations of environmental laws in their communities such as illegal mining, illegal quarrying, illegal logging, illegal fishing, and other related violations.