SANTIAGO, Agusan del Norte — A Chinese national and eight Filipinos were arrested in a joint law enforcement operation that dismantled an illegal gold mining site in Sitio Mantigue, Barangay Poblacion 1, Santiago, Agusan del Norte, on November 8, 2025.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Region 13 led the raid in coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Caraga, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the local police. The operation followed months of surveillance prompted by complaints from residents about foreign nationals and heavy equipment operating in the area.
Authorities identified the arrested suspects as Yang Huaming, a Chinese national believed to be the team leader; and Filipinos Frederick Villarta (interpreter), Ronald Hurtado (backhoe operator), Ramil Baquino, Jayson Azote, Celso Repole, Bonifacio Baguio, Julieto Lauron, and Margarito Tagulaylay.
The team recovered several pieces of heavy machinery, mineral ores, and other equipment used in gold extraction. The group reportedly used the flushing method—a process that involves blasting pressurized water to wash gold-bearing soil from the riverbanks.
Engr. Larry Heradez, MGB Caraga regional director, said the suspects’ operations caused significant environmental damage by stripping mountain slopes of vegetation and eroding the soil into nearby waterways.
“This illegal activity not only destroyed natural resources but also made nearby communities more vulnerable to flooding and landslides,” Heradez said.
Initial reports indicate that several other Chinese nationals managed to escape during the raid. Investigators suspect the group has links to four Chinese nationals earlier arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Agusan del Sur last October for engaging in mining activities without valid visas.
The nine arrested individuals are currently detained at the Butuan City Police Station 4 in Barangay Ampayon while awaiting further investigation and the filing of criminal and administrative charges.
Meanwhile, the seized machinery has been turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga for proper disposition as authorities continue to track down the financiers and other individuals behind the illegal mining operation.