Authorities arrested 15 people and seized more than P2 million worth of mining paraphernalia and minerals in separate anti-illegal mining operations in two towns in Misamis Oriental.

Various police units and the Regional Task Force on Mining Operations (RTMO) launched separate operations in Limonda, Opol and Mahayahay, Manticao on November 8, 2024, which resulted in the arrest of 13 people.

The teams were divided into three to cover the targeted areas.

The first team arrested six individuals who were allegedly caught in the act of digging and extracting minerals. Up to 20 sacks of alleged minerals were confiscated along with a shovel and a crowbar.

The second team caught three more people allegedly excavating behind Limonda Elementary School and seized a plastic bottle containing alleged mercury, 101 sacks of minerals, and a crowbar.

Police said the third team arrested four people while allegedly excavating in a tunnel and recovered 60 sacks of minerals.

Nearly P1 million worth of mining paraphernalia and materials were seized in the operations.

The individuals arrested are residents of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Iligan City, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte.

“The successful joint operation highlights the effective coordination between law enforcement agencies and local government units. We remain committed to protecting the environment and enforcing laws against illegal mining," Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Director, Brigadier General Jaysen de Guzman, said.

Meanwhile, another operation was launched on Sunday, November 10, which led to the arrest of two individuals and confiscation of illegally transported minerals worth around P1.5 million in Opol town.

While operatives were on their way to Sitio Tan-awon in Barangay Limonda to respond to a report about illegal mineral extraction, they spotted a dump truck loaded with suspected minerals.

Authorities flagged the vehicle down and checked it.

Police said the driver and his companion reportedly hesitated to disclose what they were carrying at first, but allegedly admitted later that they were transporting around 300 sacks of minerals without a permit.

“Our collaborative operations across the region are crucial in maintaining order and upholding the law. We remain steadfast in our mission to protect our environment and bring offenders to justice,” de Guzman added.

All suspects were placed under police custody and are facing charges.