09/11/2026
PNP, MGB RAID SUSPECTED ILLEGAL MINING SITE; ₱45-M EQUIPMENT SEIZED; SIX ARRESTED, MINOR RESCUED
A joint police and mining regulatory operation in Cagayan de Oro City led to the seizure of approximately ₱45 million worth of heavy equipment, the apprehension of six individuals, and the rescue of a minor from a suspected illegal mining site on November 6, 2026.
Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), personnel of Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), working with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region 10, conducted the operation at Sitio Pin-as, Barangay Tuburan, Cagayan de Oro City.
The operation involved personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, Regional Intelligence Division 10, and Police Station 8, who provided security assistance to MGB representatives in enforcing Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, and the existing moratorium on mining activities in identified areas of Opol, Misamis Oriental, and along the Iponan River.
The six apprehended individuals, aged 18 to 43, came from various areas in Mindanao. Authorities also rescued a minor during the operation, underscoring the importance of ensuring the protection and welfare of vulnerable individuals in enforcement activities.
Among the equipment initially seized were 12 excavators, three dump trucks, two trommels, two tow trucks, two generators, and one crawler truck, with an estimated combined value of ₱45 million.
Initial investigation indicated that the suspected mining activities were allegedly being carried out under the guise of a quarrying operation and were reportedly facilitated and financed by a Chinese national. Authorities are continuing their investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the operation and determine possible violations of existing laws.
Chief PNP Nartatez emphasized the importance of close coordination with government regulatory agencies in addressing activities that may harm the environment and put communities at risk.
“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa mga makinaryang nasamsam. We also have to look at the possible impact of these activities on the environment and the communities around them. Our police personnel must continue working closely with the agencies responsible for enforcing these laws, while making sure that every person involved is treated fairly and that the rescued minor receives the proper protection,” PGEN
Nartatez said.
The operation reflects the PNP's commitment to strengthening interagency cooperation and conducting focused, intelligence-driven operations in line with its Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO). It also supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s continuing efforts to uphold the rule of law, protect natural resources, and ensure the safety of Filipino communities.
The PNP will continue to support concerned government agencies in enforcing environmental and other regulatory laws, ensuring that police assistance is carried out professionally and with due regard for the rights and welfare of all individuals, consistent with Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)