# Philippine illegal mining enforcement operations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/philippine-illegal-mining-enforcement-operations > Updated: 2026-08-26T05:00:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Philippine law enforcement agencies have conducted multiple operations to combat illegal mining and quarrying activities across several regions. In Negros Occidental, a joint task force involving the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and regional police arrested seven suspects in Moises Padilla. Authorities seized approximately P16 million worth of heavy equipment and materials used for unauthorized dredging and transporting of sand, gravel, and rocks along the Binalbagan River. In Misamis Oriental, authorities targeted unauthorized mining and metallic mineral processing in Opol. In Barangay Limonda, Task Force Kalikasan—comprising the Philippine Army, police, and MGB—enforced a Cease and Desist Order and shut down sites that had been previously declared closed. During these operations, officials seized equipment and extracted ore. The provincial government is attempting to curb these unauthorized activities while promoting the ‘Minahan ng Bayan’ program to encourage small-scale miners to register. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-26: Cagayan de Oro authorities recover mortar rounds and raid illegal mines Authorities in Cagayan de Oro recovered two 81mm high-explosive mortar rounds found in residential garbage, while officials in Misamis Oriental conducted raids to shut down previously closed illegal mining-s. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cagayan-de-oro-authorities-recover-mortar-rounds-and-raid-illegal-mines ### 2026-08-25: Philippine authorities crack down on illegal mining operations Philippine authorities conducted crackdowns on illegal mining and quarrying in Negros Occidental and Misamis Oriental, resulting in arrests and the seizure of heavy equipment. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/philippine-authorities-crack-down-on-illegal-mining-operations --- Cite as: Philippine illegal mining enforcement operations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/philippine-illegal-mining-enforcement-operations