The continued surge in illegal mining activities threatens the country’s environment, depletes natural resources, and undermines government efforts to regulate the mining sector and promote sustainable development. To address this growing threat, the Philippine National Police (PNP), in coordination with its partner government agencies, has reinforced its mandate to enforce national laws and protect the public interest by combating illegal mining and upholding the rule of law.
As part of these ongoing efforts, the PNP, under the leadership of Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Acting PNP Chief, achieved a major victory against illegal mining operations in Misamis Oriental following the arrest of 24 individuals and the seizure of heavy equipment and mineral ores valued at over Php30.8Million. The successful operation underscores the PNP’s strong commitment to environmental protection and the strict implementation of Republic Act No. 7942, also known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
The operation was conducted on January 25, 2026, in Sitio Bugwak, Barangay Tingalan, Opol—an area characterized by rugged terrain and limited to no telecommunication signal coverage. It was spearheaded by personnel from the 2nd Misamis Oriental Provincial Mobile Force Company, together with intelligence operatives from the Regional Intelligence Division 10 and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, in coordination with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission.
Authorities acted on information provided by a confidential source, leading to the apprehension of individuals actively engaged in mineral extraction without the required legal permits. Those arrested included operators, laborers, welders, and supervisors. Two Chinese nationals were also among those detained after being identified as overseers of the illegal mining operations.
During the operation, operatives seized equipment used in the illegal activity, including two backhoes, two generators, six water pumps, two trommels, thirty sacks of mineral ores, and two dump trucks.
All arrested individuals were informed of their constitutional rights and provided access to medical evaluation, in accordance with Republic Act No. 9745. The seized equipment and mineral ores were properly documented and inventoried in the presence of barangay officials and were turned over to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 10 at the DENR Compound in Puntod, Cagayan de Oro City, for proper disposition.
PLtGen Nartatez underscored the importance of the operation, stating: “This accomplishment reflects our commitment not only to enforce the law but also to advocate for environmental stewardship. Makakalikasan tayo—hindi natin papayagan ang sinuman na sirain ang yaman ng bayan.”
Said accomplishment further reflects the PNP’s sustained drive to maintain peace and order, as well as its efforts to protect the country’s natural resources through enhanced management of police operations. By addressing illegal mining, PNP aims to prevent environmental destruction, safeguard communities, and ensure that mineral resources are managed responsibly and in accordance with the law for the benefit of the Filipino people and future generations.
“PNP will remain vigilant and resolute in protecting our natural resources as part of our core values. Let this serve as a warning to anyone who thinks of exploiting our environment unlawfully—you will face the full force of the law wherever you are,” said PLtGen Nartatez.
