CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The rampant and destructive grip of illegal mining in Northern Mindanao faced a hard blow as the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) cracked down on clandestine mining operations in Iligan City and Misamis Oriental, leading to the arrest of two miners and the seizure of heavy equipment worth over ₱1.2 million on April 12 and 13, 2025.
The operations unearthed more than just machines; they exposed the growing scale of environmental abuse that has been silently eroding the region’s mountains, poisoning rivers, and displacing wildlife. The illegal extraction of minerals in these areas, often carried out without regard for environmental laws, continues to leave once-thriving ecosystems scarred and barren.
In Sitio Caribao, Barangay Mainit, Iligan City, police recovered a trove of mining machinery, including ball mills, generators, motors, and steel rods — all tools commonly used in the unregulated processing of minerals. Authorities estimate the equipment’s value at around ₱450,000. A follow-up raid in the same barangay revealed even more machinery stashed away, worth an additional ₱220,000.
The following day, in Barangay Mahayahay, Manticao, Misamis Oriental, two individuals — known by their aliases “Ben” and “Olin” — were arrested for their involvement in illegal mining. The police confiscated a large cache of equipment, including rod mill drums, pump belts, diesel engines, sacks of PVC resin, and even sacks of raw minerals. The total haul from this operation alone was valued at ₱530,350.
While these illegal operations promise quick profits for a few, the true cost is borne by nature and local communities: silted rivers, poisoned watersheds, deforested hillsides, and vulnerable farmland stripped of nutrients. These destructive activities accelerate soil erosion, disrupt biodiversity, and threaten the water sources that countless residents depend on for farming and drinking.
Despite repeated warnings and efforts from authorities, illegal miners continue to exploit the region’s natural resources, leaving irreversible damage in their wake. Environmentalists warn that unless stricter enforcement and long-term solutions are put in place, the consequences will haunt Northern Mindanao for generations.
PRO10’s Regional Director, PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, commended the vigilance and coordination behind the recent operations.
“These accomplishments are clear proof that PRO10 is serious in its mission to combat illegal mining across Region 10,” De Guzman said. “We will continue to work hand-in-hand with our partner agencies to ensure that those who violate our environmental laws are held accountable.”
The seized equipment and arrested individuals have been turned over to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) for proper legal action.
Authorities are urging the public to remain alert and report any suspected illegal mining activity, as the battle to protect Northern Mindanao’s environment is far from over.
