Authorities confiscated heavy equipment worth around P28 million allegedly used in illegal mining operations in Barangay Tumpagon, Cagayan de Oro City.

According to the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10), the operation early on Monday, August 17, 2026, was carried out by personnel of Police Station 8 and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-10) and barangay officials.

PRO-10 said when the operating team arrived in the area, they observed indications of recent mining activities, including fresh excavation marks, shallow pits, and stockpiles of extracted mineralized soil and sand believed to have contain gold deposits and other mineral ores.

The operating team also found four fully operational hydraulic excavators valued at around P28 million.

“The equipment remains subject to MGB-10 technical verification and appropriate disposition pursuant to Republic Act No. 7942 and other applicable regulations,” PRO-10 said.

Several unidentified men and women who were initially observed in the area and allegedly engaged in mining activities fled upon the arrival of the operating team.

“This operation highlights our continuing commitment to protect our natural resources and enforce the law. We will continue to work closely with the MGB and our local government partners to address these activities and ensure that appropriate action is taken against those found responsible, consistent with due process and the law,” PRO-10 Director, Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano, said.