Manticao, Misamis Oriental | July 3, 2025 — Authorities from the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) have seized more than ₱1.1 million worth of illegal mining equipment and mineral ores in a law enforcement operation conducted at Sitio Kilablab, Barangay Mahayahay, Manticao, Misamis Oriental, on July 1.
The joint operation, spearheaded by the Regional Special Operations Unit 10 (RSOU 10) in collaboration with the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10) and deputized personnel from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 10 (MGB-10), resulted in the discovery of unregulated mining activities and the confiscation of assets amounting to approximately ₱1,185,000.
Among the items seized were seven rod mill drums, 500 sacks of mineral ores, and one 3-meter connecting rod. The operation was prompted by a tip-off from a confidential informant who reported the presence of the illegal mining activity in the area.
While no suspects were apprehended during the raid, all confiscated equipment and materials were documented and temporarily placed under the custody of RMFB 10. These will be formally turned over to MGB-10 under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 10 (DENR-10) for proper disposition and investigation.
PBGEN Rolindo M. Suguilon, Regional Director of PRO10, commended the operating units for their swift response and reinforced the agency’s commitment to environmental protection.
“PRO10, in coordination with other government agencies, remains steadfast in enforcing environmental laws such as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. We will not tolerate activities that exploit and damage our environment, and we will continue to pursue those who violate these laws,” said PBGEN Suguilon.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any incidents of illegal mining or other environmental violations to the nearest police station.