26/09/2026
PNP RAID UNCOVERS ₱2.6M MINING HAUL IN QUEZON
The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., seized an estimated ₱2,608,900.00 worth of mining materials and equipment during a joint operation in Buenavista, Quezon on September 22, 2026, following a request for police assistance over an allegedly unauthorized small-scale mining operation.
The operation was conducted by the CIDG Quezon Provincial Field Unit together with the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) of Quezon Province, Provincial Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit (PECU), Quezon Provincial Mobile Force Company (QPMFC), Philippine Army, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Buenavista, and the territorial police unit in Brgy. Bulo, Buenavista, Quezon.
The enforcement action stemmed from the PMRB’s request for police assistance regarding a small-scale mining operation allegedly being conducted without the necessary permit or authority issued by the regulatory body. The search warrant was implemented for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 7076, or the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991, in relation to Executive Order No. 79, which institutionalizes and implements reforms in the Philippine mining sector.
Seized during the operation were sacks of tailings and lime (apog), containers of nitric acid, compressors, dynamos, submersible pumps, a generator set, ball mills, a container of suspected sodium cyanide, and containers of silver compounds allegedly used in gold refining. The confiscated items had a total estimated value of ₱2,608,900.00.
The operation reflects the PNP’s Enhanced Managing Police Operations under its PNP Focused Agenda, a framework of organizational transformation that strengthens police operational effectiveness in enforcing laws and addressing activities that threaten public safety and lawful community affairs.
“Illegal mining activities can put our environment, communities, and public safety at risk. The PNP will remain firm in supporting lawful enforcement actions against operations that violate existing mining regulations,” PGEN Nartatez said.
“Hindi natin hahayaang malagay sa panganib ang ating likas na yaman dahil sa mga gawaing labag sa itinakdang mga patakaran,” he added.
The confiscated materials and equipment were placed under the custody of the appropriate authorities for proper disposition and further proceedings in accordance with law.
As the PNP strengthens its enforcement efforts against unlawful activities affecting communities and the country’s natural resources under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it assures the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)