Authorities arrested two people and seized several equipment allegedly used in illegal mining in separate operations in Iligan City and Misamis Oriental.

Personnel of the City Mobile Force Company of the Iligan City Police Office (CMFC-ICPO) and other police units recovered a diesel engine generator, an induction motor, a diesel engine motor, a motor pump, steel rods, and 12 rod mill during an intelligence-driven operation in Barangay Mainit, Iligan City.

Meanwhile, police confiscated several mining equipment, including 16 rod mill; 28 pump belts; 2 induction motors; 3 connecting rods; 3 fiber pans; 42 steel rods; 2 diesel engines; and 10 sacks of alleged minerals during an operation in Barangay Mahayahay, Manticao, Misamis Oriental on Sunday, April 13, 2025.

Authorities also arrested two residents of Zamboanga del Sur and Cagayan de Oro City.

The illegal mining equipment are worth collectively around P1.2 million. These will be turned over to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

“These accomplishments are clear proof that PRO10 is serious in its mission to combat illegal mining across region 10. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with our partner agencies to ensure that those who violate our environmental laws are held accountable,” Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Director, Brigadier General Jaysen De Guzman, said.

PRO-10 urged the public to remain vigilant and report illegal mining activities to authorities.