Authorities arrested 15 people allegedly engaged in illegal mining activity in Opol, Misamis Oriental.

Authorities also seized mining paraphernalia including sacks of minerals, worth around P6.7 million.

Officials of Barangay Limunda have complained reportedly about the big trucks that entered and exited frequently in the barangay, prompting the police to launch an operation.

During the operation, 15 people were caught in the act of engaging in illegal mining operation allegdly without a permit.

“Caught in the act ang 15 kabuok nga nag-engage sa mining sa maong area nga walay mga permit,” Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Spokesperson, Major Joann Navarro, said.

Police seized mining equipment, eight motorcycles, and two dump trucks used by the suspects to carry the sacks of minerals.

According to the suspects arrested, the minerals would be processed to produce gold. They said they were just told to haul the sacks of minerals.

They will face charges for mineral theft under the Philippine Mining Act (RA 7492).

The pieces of evidence seized were turned over to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office.

“We will be coordinating sa MGB sa DENR part kana sa pagpahugot sa kaso nga atong isampa sa mga suspetsado,” Navarro said.

“Di man gyud sila ganahan ug insakto nga permit gusto nila illegal well kung illegal dakpon gyud na ang we will not stop until such time malipyo ug mabantayan nato ang kaayo sa kinaiyahan,” Mayor Jay Francis Bago added.