Police arrested 24 individuals, including two Chinese nationals, during an operation against illegal mining activities in Sitio Baguac, Barangay Tingalan, in Opol, Misamis Oriental, authorities said.
Police Regional Office–Northern Mindanao Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said most of those arrested were not residents of Northern Mindanao, based on identification cards recovered during the raid. Authorities said some of the suspects were from the Caraga region and the Davao region.
Abrahano added that the two Chinese nationals were unable to present passports when questioned by authorities.
During the operation, police confiscated equipment allegedly used in the illegal mining activities, as well as 30 sacks of mineral ores. Authorities estimated the seized evidence to be worth around 30 million pesos.
Abrahano said the Philippine National Police, in coordination with the Opol local government unit and other law enforcement agencies, will intensify patrols in Barangay Tingalan to ensure the area will no longer be used for illegal mining operations.
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission has also begun focusing its investigation on the continuing illegal mining and smuggling activities linked to the operation.
PAOCC Undersecretary Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the commission is coordinating with various government agencies to identify and dismantle possible individuals or groups behind the illegal activities.
Acorda personally visited Opol, where he witnessed the anti-illegal mining operation in Sitio Baguac, Barangay Tingalan.
He said illegal mining and smuggling remain serious problems in the country and urged the public and authorities to work together in addressing these issues.
Authorities have not yet released details on the specific charges to be filed against those arrested. Further investigation is ongoing as officials seek to determine the extent of the illegal operation and those who may have supported it.
