Authorities dismantled an illegal “banlas,” or sluice mining operation in the mountainous area of Sitio Kampo Kilot in Barangay Pulabato, Tampakan, South Cotabato, on March 28 and 29, 2026.
The operation was carried out in coordination with the Tampakan Local Government Unit.
According to Tampakan Mayor Leonard Escobillo, authorities confiscated and destroyed equipment used in illegal mining activities, including polyethylene (PE) pipes, flexible hoses, sluice boxes, screens and other materials.
Officials said banlas, also known as sluice mining, is considered a highly destructive mining method. The process involves pouring large amounts of water onto mountain surfaces to loosen soil and rocks to extract gold ore.
The collected materials are later filtered using mercury, which authorities said contributes to pollution of nearby waterways. Reports indicated that rivers affected by the mining activities turned brown in color and were contaminated with mercury used by illegal miners.
Authorities warned that banlas mining causes environmental damage as water from rivers in Sitio Kampo Kilot flows toward Lake Buluan through the Topland River.
Lake Buluan covers areas in the municipality of Lutayan in Sultan Kudarat and the municipality of Buluan in Maguindanao del Sur.
Escobillo said the dismantling of the illegal mining site reflected the strong commitment of local authorities and partner agencies to protect the environment and enforce existing laws.
