The Philippine National Police (PNP) is seeking closer coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) following the arrest of three suspected illegal miners in Surigao del Sur and the seizure of about P5 million worth of equipment.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said stronger cooperation among police units, environment officials, and local communities is needed to protect forests, upland areas, and vulnerable communities from illegal mining and logging activities.
“Environmental protection is not the task of the DENR alone. It requires strong coordination among government agencies and alliance with the people that is anchored on trust and commitment to protect their community,” Nartatez said.
“The arrest of these three illegal miners is proof of that strong coordination and alliance with the community. And we intend to keep it that way,” he added.
The suspects were arrested on Saturday, June 27, in Barangay Bahi, Barobo, Surigao del Sur, during a joint operation by local police, the DENR Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and the Monitoring and Information Assistance Center.
Authorities said the suspects, aged 33, 34, and 45, are all residents of Tagbina, Surigao del Sur. They were apprehended after allegedly failing to present the required permits for their mining activities.
Police seized several pieces of equipment, including water pumps and a backhoe, with an estimated total value of P5 million.
Barangay Bahi is located in an area with significant forest and upland terrain, making it vulnerable to illegal mining operations because of its natural resources.
The suspects are detained at the Barobo Municipal Police Station and are facing charges for violation of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Nartatez said the PNP’s intensified coordination with the DENR is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla for government agencies to work together in protecting the environment and safeguarding communities, especially in rural areas.
He said he has directed police regional directors and commanders to strengthen coordination with the DENR in anti-illegal mining and anti-illegal logging operations.
The PNP is also prepared to provide regular training for forest rangers and help establish stronger communication lines to support operations against illegal loggers and miners, Nartatez said.