By [Your Name]
Cagayan de Oro City – May 26, 2025
Police authorities in Northern Mindanao seized over ₱623,000 worth of illegal mining equipment and materials during a series of coordinated operations in Barangay Mahayahay, Manticao, Misamis Oriental on May 24, 2025.
The operations, which commenced at 3:40 a.m. and ended at 1:15 p.m., were carried out by the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10) in collaboration with the Manticao Municipal Police Station and the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office, under the oversight of Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10).
In Sitio Quilablab, operatives from the 1001st Maneuver Company and Manticao MPS confiscated:
- 12 rod mill drums (₱300,000)
- 18 pump belts
- 2 induction motors
- 1 connecting rod
- 7 sacks (75 kg total) of polyvinyl chloride resin
- 15 steel rods
- 10 sacks of minerals
- An air compressor tank
- A compressor engine
- 12 improvised pump belts
The items were valued at approximately ₱386,000.
At Zone 2, a joint team from the 1002nd Maneuver Company, Technical Support Company, and Manticao MPS seized:
- 4 rod mill drums (₱100,000)
- 2 pump belts
- 1 plastic pan
- 2 steel rods
- 2 sacks of minerals
- 7 bearings
These were estimated to be worth ₱119,900.
Meanwhile, at Zone 4, the 1005th Maneuver Company and local police confiscated:
- 4 rod mill drums (₱100,000)
- 12 sacks of minerals (₱18,000)
Total estimated value: ₱118,000.
No suspects were arrested during the operations, but authorities emphasized that the seizures deal a significant blow to illegal mining activities in the area.
All confiscated equipment and materials have been turned over to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region X (MGB-X) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR 10) for proper handling and disposition.
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of PRO10, commended the operating units for their swift and coordinated efforts, stressing the importance of continued vigilance against environmental crimes.
“This operation reflects our unwavering commitment to protect our natural resources and uphold the law,” said De Guzman.