KITAOTAO, Bukidnon — Three individuals were apprehended while allegedly conducting illegal mining operations in a remote creek in Kitaotao, Bukidnon, following a swift response by police and environmental authorities on June 26.
According to police, the operation was launched after the Kitaotao Municipal Police Station received information from a concerned citizen at around 1:30 p.m. regarding an alleged illegal mining activity at Tuloron Creek in Sitio Cabalansihan, Barangay Sinuda, approximately 75 kilometers from the police station.
Acting on the report, police personnel assigned at Crossing Bacayan, Barangay Sinuda aboard Kodiak Mobile 134, led by PSMS Bryan Pacanan under the supervision of PMAJ Jose Regner M. Sevilleno, Chief of Police, immediately organized a joint enforcement operation.
The police team was reinforced by personnel from the Regional Police Security Battalion (RPSB) Kitaotao Cluster and coordinated closely with environmental and local government officials, including Jonathan A. Doroja, Forest Ranger and Deputized Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) personnel; Zoilo R. Montebon Jr., Forester I of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Don Carlos; Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Dante Man-ukil; and Barangay Kagawad Leo Queram D. Lacaran.
Upon reaching the reported site, authorities allegedly caught three individuals actively engaged in small-scale mining activities without the required permit or authorization from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), in violation of existing environmental and mining regulations.
During the operation, law enforcement officers confiscated several pieces of equipment believed to have been used in the illegal extraction of gold from the creek. Recovered from the site were:
- Ten gold strainers (salaan);
- Thirteen pails;
- Two shovels; and
- One gold pan.
Authorities said the seized implements are commonly used in unauthorized gold recovery operations conducted along river systems and creeks.
Following the operation, the three apprehended individuals, along with the confiscated mining equipment, were turned over to Jonathan A. Doroja, Forest Ranger and Deputized MGB Officer, for proper disposition and the preparation of appropriate charges under existing environmental protection and mining laws.
Police emphasized that illegal mining remains a serious environmental concern due to its destructive impact on watersheds, river ecosystems, and forest resources. Authorities reiterated their commitment to intensifying joint operations with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and local government units to curb unauthorized mining activities and protect the province’s natural resources.
Officials also encouraged residents to continue reporting illegal environmental activities, stressing that community participation is vital in preserving Bukidnon’s forests, rivers, and mineral resources for future generations.