Philippine authorities crack down on illegal mining operations

Law enforcement agencies in the Philippines have conducted separate operations to shut down illegal mining and quarrying activities in Negros Occidental and Misamis Oriental.

In Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, authorities arrested seven suspects during an operation in Hacienda Bag-o, Barangay Crossing Magallon. The joint task force, including the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and regional police, seized approximately P16 million worth of heavy equipment and materials. The suspects were caught dredging and transporting sand, gravel, and rocks along the Binalbagan River without environmental permits. They may face charges under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

In Opol, Misamis Oriental, a composite government force enforced a Cease and Desist Order issued by the MGB in Barangay Limonda. The operation, involving the Philippine Army and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, targeted unauthorized mining and metallic mineral processing. Authorities secured the mountainous area and recovered equipment used in the illegal operations to prevent further unauthorized activity.