CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) intensified its campaign against illegal mining in Northern Mindanao following two successful operations that led to the confiscation of mineral ores valued at ₱112,000 in Manticao, Misamis Oriental on October 25, 2025.
Acting on reports of illegal mining activities, personnel from the Manticao Municipal Police Station launched monitoring operations in the hinterlands of Barangay Upper Malubog, resulting in the discovery of 44 sacks of mineral ores believed to have been sourced from Barangay Limonda, Opol, Misamis Oriental.
The first operation, conducted at Purok 5, Upper Malubog, resulted in the recovery of 20 sacks worth ₱50,000. A follow-up operation at Purok 4 yielded an additional 24 sacks valued at ₱62,000. All items were found abandoned in the area, suggesting that the perpetrators fled before police arrived.
Authorities have taken the seized mineral ores to the Manticao Municipal Police Station for documentation and safekeeping. The confiscated materials will be turned over to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Puntod, Cagayan de Oro City for verification and proper disposition.
Police said those responsible for the illegal extraction and transport of mineral ores will face charges for violating Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, which prohibits unauthorized exploration and extraction of mineral resources.
PBGEN Christopher N. Abrahano, Acting Regional Director of PRO10, lauded the Manticao Police for their vigilance and commitment to environmental law enforcement.
“Our operations against illegal mining underscore our dedication to preserving Northern Mindanao’s natural resources and upholding the law. We remain steadfast in supporting the government’s thrust toward responsible and sustainable resource utilization,” Abrahano stated.
PRO10 reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with the DENR, local government units, and other stakeholders in protecting the environment and curbing illegal mining operations across the region.