23 nabbed for illegal mining activities in Agusan del Sur

Authorities arrested 23 persons who were allegedly engaged in illegal mining activities in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, according to the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

In a Facebook post, PNP-CIDG said the 23 individuals were arrested on Friday in Barangay San Andres.

One of those arrested was a minor, who was turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.

Meanwhile, the 22 other suspects are in custody at the Bunawan Municipal Police Station.

They will be facing charges for violating the Philippine Mining Act.

Authorities also confiscated 35 sacks of gold-bearing rock materials, a percussion hammer, an electric drill, a drilling rod, cellophane wrappers containing ammonium nitrate fuel oil, improvised explosives, improvised electric detonators, blasting caps, and a hammer.

Further investigation will be conducted to identify and charge the financiers and operators behind the illegal mining activities in the area.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News