Opol, Misamis Oriental (August 7, 2025) — A joint anti-illegal mining operation conducted on August 2 in Barangay Nangcaon, Opol, Misamis Oriental, has uncovered a large-scale, unauthorized mining activity allegedly operated by a sitting barangay official.
The surprise raid, carried out by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region X (MGB-10), Environmental Management Bureau Region 10 (EMB-10), the National Bureau of Investigation–North Eastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-NEMRO), and the 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, resulted in the arrest of one individual and the confiscation of multiple heavy equipment and materials used in illicit extraction activities.
Authorities apprehended Gilbert D. Obsioma, a resident of Barangay Pigsag-an, Cagayan de Oro City, who was caught operating a hydraulic excavator while illegally extracting sand, gravel, and other fluvial materials from the Iponan River system. Intelligence reports identified an incumbent barangay official as the alleged mastermind of the operation.
Seized from the site were three hydraulic excavators, ten water pumps, hoses, sluice mats, sluice boxes, a wooden pan, and a sack filled with receipts and transaction logs—evidence that links the operation directly to the commercial sale of the extracted resources.
Drone surveillance and on-ground verification revealed a 4.88-hectare area of disturbance, with excavation depths reaching up to three meters. The findings confirm the operation’s large-scale and ongoing nature, underscoring its severe impact on the environment and the Iponan River system.
The suspect faces criminal charges for theft of minerals under Section 103 of Republic Act No. 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995) and violations of the Water Code of the Philippines. Authorities have assured the public that further investigations are underway to identify and prosecute all individuals involved, particularly those in public office.
Officials from the investigating agencies emphasized the importance of public trust and accountability, especially when illegal activities involve those entrusted with upholding the law.