A joint law enforcement operation against illegal mining in Cagayan de Oro City led to the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of heavy equipment and tools worth an estimated P15.6 million, authorities said.
The operation, conducted on May 4 in Barangay Tumpagon, was carried out by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Cagayan de Oro City Field Unit together with the CIDG Regional Field Unit 10 Special Operations Team, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and local police units under Oplan Kalikasan.
Authorities said the operation ran from late afternoon until nearly midnight and targeted suspected violations of Republic Act No. 7942, which governs the exploration and extraction of mineral resources in the country.
Three male suspects, identified only by their aliases “Fred,” “Boy,” and “Jake,” were arrested while allegedly conducting excavation activities without the required permits from the MGB. Police said the group was operating in a mining site without authorization, rendering their activities illegal under existing mining regulations.
Seized during the operation were multiple pieces of heavy equipment and mining tools, including backhoes, water pumps, welding machines, generator sets, trommels, and other excavation-related equipment used in mineral extraction.
CIDG Director Robert AA Morico II said the operation underscores the government’s continuing efforts to enforce environmental laws and protect natural resources. He emphasized that all mineral resources in the country are state-owned and must be developed only through lawful and regulated processes that balance economic use with environmental protection and community welfare.
The CIDG said the operation aligns with the directive of Philippine National Police chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to intensify enforcement actions against environmental crimes, including illegal mining activities that threaten ecosystems and local livelihoods.
CIDG leadership also commended the regional and local units involved for the successful operation, describing it as part of a sustained crackdown on illegal resource extraction across the country.
The agency reiterated its call for public cooperation, urging citizens to report illegal mining, quarrying, logging, fishing, and other environmental violations to authorities.
Officials said similar operations will continue as part of broader efforts to protect the environment and ensure compliance with national mining and environmental laws.