PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur — Authorities arrested two individuals and rescued a minor during a joint anti-illegal mining operation conducted on the morning of March 26, 2026, in a remote mining site in Barangay Mapaga.
The operation, carried out at around 9:00 a.m., was led by the 1st Agusan del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st ADS PMFC), in coordination with the Prosperidad Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Bayugan City.
Law enforcement operatives apprehended two male suspects identified only by their aliases “MIC” and “JO,” both residents of Barangay Mabuhay in Prosperidad. The suspects were caught in the act of engaging in illegal mining activities at Purok 5 of Barangay Mapaga.
A minor, believed to be involved or present during the illegal activity, was also rescued at the site. The child is reportedly a resident of Purok 5, Barangay Malinaw in Tambis, Surigao del Sur. Authorities have yet to release further details regarding the minor’s condition and circumstances.
Several other individuals who were allegedly part of the illegal mining operation managed to flee before authorities could apprehend them.
During the operation, authorities confiscated various equipment and materials used for illegal mining. These included four wooden gold pans, seven shovels, six headlamps, two bolos, two units of water pumps (Yamamoto brand, white, 3.6kW/163cc), four digging bars, and one plastic bottle containing gold particles.
All seized items have been turned over to the CENRO Bayugan City for proper documentation and disposition. Meanwhile, the arrested suspects are currently detained at the Prosperidad MPS custodial facility and are expected to face charges related to illegal mining and possible violations of environmental laws.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to intensify operations against illegal mining activities in the province, citing the environmental damage and safety risks associated with unregulated extraction practices. They also underscored the need to protect minors from hazardous and exploitative labor conditions often linked to illegal mining operations.
Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the illicit activity.