Camp Alagar, Cagayan de Oro City – In a significant environmental protection effort, joint operations led by the Police Station 6 of the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO), in collaboration with the ICPO-ICMFC, Task Force Kinaiyahan, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and CEMO Quarry and Mines, targeted illegal small-scale gold mining activities in Barangay Mainit, Iligan City, on December 13, 2024.
The operations, conducted at Sitio Loklok and Sitio Caribao, resulted in the confiscation of mining equipment valued at an estimated total of PhP107,400.00.
Details of the Operations
The first operation took place at Sitio Loklok at around 12:25 PM, where authorities discovered six rod mills, six steel rods, one Voda machine, one spinning wheel, and 14 pump belts. These items, collectively valued at PhP65,000.00, were seized.
The second operation, conducted at the same location at 1:11 PM, led to the recovery of four steel rods worth PhP2,400.00.
Later, at Sitio Caribao, a third operation commenced at 3:56 PM, yielding four rod mills, four steel rods, and one spinning wheel, with an estimated value of PhP40,000.00.
All confiscated items were unattended and have since been secured at the Iligan City Police Office Camp Tipanoy for safekeeping.
Environmental and Legal Impact
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), emphasized the critical role of these operations in mitigating environmental degradation caused by illegal mining. “PRO10 will continue to strengthen partnerships with government agencies and stakeholders to put an end to these unlawful activities, ensuring the preservation of our environment for future generations,” he stated.
The operations are part of a broader campaign to address ecological damage and uphold environmental laws. PBGEN De Guzman also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any illegal activities to the nearest police station.
Call for Community Action
The collaboration between multiple government agencies highlights the necessity of joint efforts in tackling illegal mining and its adverse effects. Authorities reaffirm their commitment to preserving natural resources and maintaining ecological balance in the region.
The success of these operations sends a strong message against illegal mining practices, demonstrating the government’s resolve to protect the environment and enforce the law. Residents are encouraged to participate actively in safeguarding their communities by reporting illicit activities, contributing to the collective effort to preserve the country’s natural heritage.