CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City – Police authorities in Northern Mindanao confiscated mineral ores worth an estimated ₱918,750 during an anti-illegal mining operation in Opol, Misamis Oriental on September 30, 2025.
At around 3:39 p.m., operatives from the Opol Municipal Police Station (MPS) responded to a tip from a confidential informant regarding alleged illegal mining activities in Sitio Tanawon, Barangay Limonda. Upon arrival, police discovered 625 sacks of mineral ores believed to have been extracted without proper permits.
Due to the volume of the confiscated items and lack of transport facilities, the sacks remain secured on-site under police guard pending official turnover to the concerned government agencies for proper disposition.
Authorities said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to enforce Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, which prohibits unauthorized extraction of mineral resources. Follow-up investigations are underway to identify those behind the operation.
PBGEN Rolindo M. Suguilon, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), commended the swift action of the Opol police and vowed continued coordination with other agencies to suppress illegal mining in Northern Mindanao.
“PRO10 will continue to strengthen coordination with concerned agencies to ensure that those responsible will be held accountable. We urge our communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, especially on illegal mining, to the nearest police station,” Suguilon said.
Illegal mining has long been flagged as a threat to both the environment and the welfare of communities in mineral-rich regions. Authorities warned that those found responsible will face appropriate legal charges.