OPOL, Misamis Oriental — Authorities confiscated 23 sacks of illegally mined mineral ores during an operation in Barangay Limonda, Opol town, on Tuesday afternoon, underscoring the province’s intensified crackdown on environmental crimes.
The seizure was carried out at around 5:40 p.m. by members of the Task Force Kalikasan ug Kalinaw under the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental, led by PMAJ Allan S. Payla (Ret.). The operatives personally transported the recovered mineral ores to government custody following the operation.
According to the task force, personnel were conducting a roving patrol in the area when they noticed a narrow and suspicious pathway believed to be frequently used by individuals engaged in illegal activities. Upon following the trail, authorities discovered a hole dug into the ground, indicating an illegal mining site.
A search of the area led to the recovery of 23 sacks of mineral ores, which were found abandoned, suggesting that those involved fled upon sensing the presence of authorities. The confiscated ores were estimated to be worth approximately ₱35,000.
The recovered mineral ores were subsequently turned over to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for proper documentation, investigation, and the filing of appropriate charges against those responsible.
Provincial officials stressed that illegal mining poses serious threats to the environment, including land degradation, water contamination, and increased risks of landslides and flooding—concerns that continue to affect rural communities in Misamis Oriental and other parts of Mindanao.
Authorities reiterated their warning that operations against illegal mining will be sustained and intensified, calling on the public to report suspicious activities that threaten the environment and community safety.