Misamis Oriental, October 18, 2024 — Law enforcement authorities seized an estimated P6.7 million worth of minerals and arrested 15 individuals during an anti-illegal mining operation in the hinterland area of Barangay Limonda, Opol, Misamis Oriental.
The operation, led by PMAJ Michael Salvador R. Lacasan of the Opol Municipal Police Station (MPS) and PMAJ Marstar D. Lorenzo of the Manticao MPS, was conducted at around 4:30 AM. The joint effort targeted an illegal mining site believed to be in violation of the Philippine Mining Act (RA 7942).
The 15 male suspects, all residents of Punta Silum and Tuod, Manticao, Misamis Oriental, were apprehended at the scene. Authorities also confiscated various mining equipment used in the illegal operations.
The operation is being hailed as a major success in curbing illegal mining activities in the region. Local police are now preparing charges against the suspects, while further investigations are being carried out to identify potential accomplices and track the origin of the confiscated minerals.
