CITY OF MATI, Davao Oriental — Eleven individuals were arrested in an anti-illegal mining operation led by Task Force Marayag in Sitio Sumlog, Purok Quarry, Barangay Marayag, Lupon, Davao Oriental on November 12, 2025.
Authorities caught the suspects in the act of extracting minerals without the necessary permits or documentation. The joint operation also resulted in the seizure of various mining tools and equipment used in the illegal activity.
The law enforcement effort was carried out by personnel from the Lupon Municipal Police Station, 2nd Davao Oriental Provincial Mobile Force Company (DOPMFC), the 66th Infantry Battalion, and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), under the supervision of Police Colonel Ritchie S. Bucol, Provincial Director of the Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office (DOPPO).
In a statement, PCOL Bucol reaffirmed their commitment to safeguard the province’s environment.
“We will continue to combat illegal mining operations and protect Davao Oriental’s natural resources,” he said.
Authorities emphasized that illegal mining not only violates environmental laws but also poses serious threats to ecosystems and nearby communities.
The Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office urged the public to support ongoing environmental enforcement efforts by reporting illegal activities and other forms of criminality to the nearest police station.
The arrested suspects are now under police custody and will face charges for violating mining and environmental laws.