Authorities arrested three men and seized more than ₱7.1 million worth of mining equipment and mineral ores during an operation against alleged illegal mining in Barobo, Surigao del Sur on June 28.
The Philippine National Police said personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13, Barobo Municipal Police Station, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources carried out the operation.
The suspects were allegedly caught extracting mineral resources without the required permit, in violation of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Police said the seized equipment and mineral ores had an estimated value of ₱7,109,900.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units for coordinating with the DENR in enforcing environmental laws.
“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa pagpapatupad ng batas. Responsibilidad din nating pangalagaan ang ating kalikasan para sa kapakinabangan ng mga susunod na henerasyon,” Nartatez said.
“I commend our operating teams for carrying out this operation professionally and in close coordination with our partner agencies,” he added.
Nartatez also urged the public to report illegal activities that threaten the environment and local communities.
“Malaki ang maitutulong ng pakikiisa ng ating mga kababayan. Kapag nagtutulungan tayo, mas napoprotektahan natin ang ating likas na yaman at ang ating mga komunidad,” he said.
The PNP said the operation forms part of its continuing campaign against environmental law violations and illegal activities affecting natural resources.