Authorities arrested 30 people and seized more than ₱5.5 million worth of suspected gold ore, equipment, vehicles, and firearms during an anti-illegal mining operation in Pantukan, Davao de Oro, the Philippine National Police said.
The joint operation was conducted on July 7 in Barangay Araibo by the PNP, Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region XI, and other government units.
Police said 27 individuals were initially apprehended after authorities discovered an alleged illegal mining operation in the area.
The suspects are facing possible charges for violation of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Authorities recovered around 128 sacks of suspected gold ore, a fabricated blower, jackhammers, chainsaws, generator sets, an inverter generator, and an Isuzu ELF truck.
The seized items were valued at about ₱5.54 million.
Police said one of the individuals, who allegedly served as a portal guard, was also found in possession of a .45-caliber pistol.
Later that evening, while authorities were conducting an inventory of the recovered items, operating personnel received information that armed individuals onboard a white pickup truck were approaching the area.
A follow-up response led to the arrest of three more suspects and the confiscation of three firearms, ammunition, and other items.
All arrested individuals were placed under the custody of the CIDG Davao de Oro Provincial Field Unit for the filing of appropriate charges.
The recovered mineral ores and mining equipment were turned over to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region XI.
The operation involved personnel from the CIDG Davao de Oro Provincial Field Unit, Pantukan Municipal Police Station, Davao de Oro Police Provincial Office, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 11, Highway Patrol Group, and MGB Region XI.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units for their coordination and quick response.
“Ang operasyon na ito ay nagpapakita ng kahalagahan ng pagkakaisa ng ating mga law enforcement units at partner agencies sa pagpapatupad ng batas. Hindi lamang natin pinoprotektahan ang ating likas na yaman, kundi pinananatili rin natin ang kapayapaan at kaayusan sa mga komunidad,” Nartatez said.
“Patuloy nating isasagawa ang ganitong mga operasyon nang may propesyonalismo, paggalang sa karapatang pantao, at mahigpit na pagsunod sa due process,” he added.
The PNP said it will continue intelligence-driven and inter-agency operations against illegal mining and other activities that threaten natural resources and public safety.