CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City – In a decisive intelligence-driven operation, seven Chinese nationals were arrested for alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in Sitio Libani, Barangay Tingalan, Opol, Misamis Oriental on July 23, 2025.
The operation was carried out by the Misamis Oriental Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR–CENRO) Initao, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Lantad CMU, and Opol Municipal Police Station.
Authorities launched the operation after receiving verified reports of illegal mining operations by foreign nationals in the area. Surveillance and validation efforts confirmed the unauthorized activities, leading to the swift execution of the arrest.
The suspects, composed of five males and two females, reportedly entered the Philippines as tourists. Local workers were also allegedly employed at the site but managed to escape before law enforcers arrived.
Seized during the operation were high-value equipment and materials used in the illegal mining operation, including:
- Two hydraulic excavators
- One wheel loader
- One unit separator
- Two rolls of carpet/matting
- One sack of washed sand
- Two water pump sets
- One roll of water hose
The total estimated market value of the confiscated equipment and materials is approximately ₱18.9 million.
The suspects are currently in the custody of Misamis Oriental MARPSTA. Authorities have filed charges against them for violating Section 103 of Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. Coordination is also ongoing with the Bureau of Immigration to verify their immigration status and check for any possible criminal records locally or internationally.
The seized heavy equipment has been turned over to Barangay Tuburan in Cagayan de Oro City for safekeeping, while other pieces of evidence are now with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 10 (MGB-10).
Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) Regional Director PBGEN Rolindo M. Suguilon lauded the swift execution of the operation.
“We, along with other law enforcement units, remain relentless in our pursuit of those who violate environmental laws and will continue to strengthen our collaboration with partner agencies to ensure that offenders are held accountable,” he said.
PRO10 reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the region’s natural resources and called on the public to report any illegal activities that harm the environment.