SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Philippines — Authorities arrested four individuals allegedly involved in illegal mining activities in the municipality of Placer during a joint law enforcement operation on March 16, as part of intensified efforts to curb environmental destruction in the province.
Police identified the suspects as men aged 28, 34, 28, and 31 from various parts of Mindanao. They include a 28-year-old single male from Barangay Bacolod, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur; a 34-year-old single male from Barangay Sampaguita, Veruela, Agusan del Sur; a 28-year-old married male from Barangay Sta. Cruz, Placer, Surigao del Norte; and a 31-year-old single male from Barangay Ellaperal, Placer, Surigao del Norte.
The arrests were carried out at around 6:00 p.m. in Purok 7, Sitio Layab, Barangay Ellaperal, Placer, by operatives from the Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office (SDNPPO). The operation was led by the Provincial Intelligence Unit in coordination with the 2nd Surigao del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company and the Placer Municipal Police Station.
According to SDNPPO Provincial Director Police Colonel Warren E. Dablo, the suspects were apprehended for violating Section 103 of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, which penalizes illegal extraction and possession of minerals without proper government authorization.
Initial police reports said the group was caught extracting mineral ores and transporting them without the necessary mining agreements, leases, permits, or licenses. Authorities also accused them of unlawfully taking mineral ores or related products from mining sites or processing areas.
During the operation, police seized several pieces of equipment believed to have been used in the illegal mining activities, along with sacks of mineral ores.
Among the confiscated items were ten sacks of mineral or ore stocks; a water turbine valued at about Php23,145; a 12-volt battery worth Php12,000; an electric drill estimated at Php20,000; two electric hammers valued at Php50,000; an electric blower worth Php18,000; three shovels valued at Php1,500; a digging bar locally known as “bara” worth Php600; and an electric wrecker valued at Php10,000.
Police estimated the total market value of the seized equipment and materials at around Php135,245.
Dablo emphasized that the provincial police will continue to intensify operations against illegal and irresponsible mining activities, warning that such practices pose serious risks to the environment and local communities.
“The Surigao del Norte Police highlights that the battle against illegal and irresponsible mining is a duty we all share. We are resolute in our stance against any activities that threaten our communities, risk environmental harm, and could lead to long-term damage to the protected ecosystems within Surigao del Norte,” Dablo said.
The arrested suspects and the confiscated items are now under the custody of the Surigao del Norte Provincial Intelligence Unit for proper documentation and filing of appropriate charges. Authorities said further investigation is ongoing to determine whether other individuals are involved in the illegal mining operation.