Opol, Misamis Oriental — Authorities have successfully halted illegal mining operations within the Dulangan Ancestral Domain in Barangay Limonda, Opol, Misamis Oriental, following the strict enforcement of a Cease and Desist Order (MGB-X-CDO-2025-001) issued by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-10) and supported by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI-10), Opol Municipal Police Station, Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental, and other law enforcement units.
At least 150 mining tunnels sprawling across more than 3,000 hectares were sealed off during the crackdown, leaving behind sacks of extracted minerals set for processing in ball mills. Authorities said the order was implemented after continued reports of large-scale illegal mining in the area despite a previous cease-and-desist directive earlier this year.
The joint task force, led by the Provincial Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (PLENRO) under the “Task Force Kalikasan ug Kalinaw,” secured the area to prevent miners from returning.
Barangay Limonda Captain Michael Sambolay admitted that illegal mining had been rampant in their community but expressed relief that the operations were finally stopped. “We are thankful that the cease-and-desist order is fully enforced. Still, we support efforts to legalize mining in our barangay through a declared Minahan ng Bayan,” he said.
Vice President of the Limonda Council of Association, Datu Rodel Bael, likewise appealed to Governor Juliette Uy to recognize Dalwangan as a designated Minahan ng Bayan, citing its critical role in the daily livelihood of Indigenous Peoples and residents who have long depended on small-scale mining.
Mayor Jay Bago of Opol, however, maintained his stand that all operations in Limonda must remain suspended until the proposed Minahan ng Bayan receives official approval from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
The crackdown comes amid pending deliberations at the provincial board regarding the approval of a legal small-scale mining zone. Until then, authorities have vowed strict monitoring to ensure no illegal mining resumes in the area.