OPOL, Misamis Oriental — Authorities on Tuesday, August 25, shut down alleged illegal mining operations in the mountainous area of Barangay Limonda, Opol, Misamis Oriental, following the implementation of a Cease and Desist Order (CDO) issued by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
The enforcement operation was carried out by a composite government force under Task Force Kalikasan and Kalinaw, with the primary objective of stopping unauthorized mining and mineral-processing activities and securing the affected areas against further operations.
The CDO, identified as MGB-X-CDO-2025-001, directs the cessation of alleged illegal mining and the processing of metallic minerals in the area. Authorities said the enforcement is part of efforts to protect the environment and ensure compliance with existing mining and environmental laws and regulations.
A final operational briefing was conducted at around 6 a.m. Tuesday before four composite teams proceeded to the mining areas. The teams were composed of personnel from the 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Opol Municipal Police Station, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Task Force Misamis Oriental.
The ground operation was led by retired Police Major Rogelio R. Labor, who served as ground commander. Under his direction, the combined forces moved into the identified mining areas to enforce the MGB order and prevent the continuation of mining activities.
During the operation, authorities recovered equipment reportedly being used in the illegal mining operation and secured the sites covered by the cease-and-desist order. The enforcement teams also proceeded with the shutdown and lockdown of the affected areas to prevent unauthorized personnel from resuming mining and mineral-processing activities.
Officials said the presence of multiple law enforcement and government units was intended not only to ensure the implementation of the CDO but also to maintain peace and security during the operation, particularly in the remote and mountainous portions of Limonda.
The implementation of the order underscores the government’s continuing campaign against unauthorized extraction of mineral resources, particularly activities that may cause environmental degradation and undermine regulations governing mining operations.
Authorities said operations will continue to ensure the full enforcement of the Cease and Desist Order and to prevent the resumption of the activities covered by the directive.
The agencies involved also emphasized that enforcement measures are being undertaken to safeguard the environment while ensuring that mining-related activities are conducted only within the bounds of the law and under the appropriate government permits and regulatory requirements.