PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – Authorities confiscated an estimated ₱9.57 million worth of heavy equipment and mining tools during a joint anti-illegal mining operation in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, on Thursday evening, July 16, as the Philippine National Police (PNP) intensified its crackdown on environmental crimes.
The operation was conducted by the Philippine National Police, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Bayugan, and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office 13, targeting equipment allegedly being used in unauthorized mining activities.
Authorities recovered two backhoes, three gasoline-powered water pump engines, a sluice box, a battery, and other mining equipment believed to have been utilized in illegal mining operations. The total value of the seized equipment was estimated at ₱9.57 million.
No individuals were found at the mining site during the operation, and no arrests were made. The confiscated equipment has been turned over to the appropriate government agencies for documentation, inventory, and proper disposition as investigations continue to identify those responsible for the illegal activity.
The enforcement action forms part of the PNP’s intensified environmental protection campaign under its Focused Agenda, particularly through its Enhanced Managing Police Operations program. The operation also supports the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen the protection of the country’s natural resources through sustained collaboration among law enforcement and environmental agencies.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. lauded the operating teams for their successful coordination and underscored the importance of relentless enforcement against environmental offenders.
“Ang kalikasan ay yaman ng bawat Pilipino. Hindi tayo titigil sa pagpapatupad ng batas laban sa mga gawaing sumisira sa ating likas na yaman. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang koordinasyon sa ating partner agencies para mapanagot ang mga lumalabag at maprotektahan ang kapakanan ng ating mga komunidad,” Nartatez said.
The PNP chief also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspected illegal mining operations and other environmental violations to the nearest police station or concerned government agencies, emphasizing that community participation plays a crucial role in protecting the country’s natural resources.
Illegal mining has long been a major concern in several parts of Mindanao, where unauthorized extraction activities have been linked to environmental degradation, deforestation, river siltation, and increased risks of landslides and flooding. Authorities continue to intensify monitoring and enforcement operations to curb these activities and hold violators accountable.
The PNP reaffirmed its commitment to the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman” campaign by working closely with partner agencies to preserve the environment, enforce environmental laws, and protect natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.