Two Chinese nationals and three Filipinos were arrested during an anti-illegal mining operation conducted by Police Regional Office 13 on March 3, 2026, in Purok 8 Blocking, Barangay Wasian, Rosario, Agusan del Sur authorities said.
Police Brigadier General Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado IV, regional director of PRO 13, identified the suspects as aliases “Chen,” 50, a Chinese national and alleged financier from Hubei Province, China; “Ty,” 55, also a Chinese national and alleged financier from the same area in Hubei Province; “Boy,” 36, a laborer from Barangay Maasin in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur; “Jean,” 36, a backhoe operator from Barangay Salaysay in Marilog District, Davao City; and “Jenny,” 41, a resident of Barangay Consuelo in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.
The operation was carried out through the joint efforts of the Regional Intelligence Division 13, the 1303rd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13, the Provincial Intelligence Team of Agusan del Sur, the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office, the Rosario Municipal Police Station, and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Bunawan.
Authorities seized several pieces of equipment believed to be used in illegal mining activities. Among the items recovered were two WEICHAI excavators valued at about ₱6 million, a generator set with a water pump estimated at ₱100,000, 12 pieces of artificial turf mats worth ₱5,000, and two wooden pans valued at ₱2,000.
The suspects are facing charges for violating Sections 102 and 103 of Republic Act 7942, also known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Magistrado said PRO 13 and its partner agencies remain committed to intensifying the campaign against illegal mining and other crimes that threaten the environment and natural resources.
He also encouraged the public to report information related to illegal mining and other illegal activities to authorities.
