PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur — An anti-illegal mining operation in Barangay Sta. Maria, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, led to the arrest of one individual and the confiscation of several pieces of equipment allegedly being used for mining activities, authorities reported on August 13, 2026.
The operation was conducted at around August 13 in Purok 4, Barangay Sta. Maria, by personnel of the Agusan del Norte Maritime Police Station (ADN MARPSTA) in coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Nasipit Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and the Prosperidad Municipal Police Station.
Authorities said the operation resulted in the apprehension of one individual and the seizure of equipment believed to have been used in mining activities. The confiscated items consisted of three water pumps, two dish pans, two sluice boxes, two hoses, and two improvised sand strainers.
The recovered equipment was inventoried and documented in the presence of a representative from the MGB Nasipit CENRO to establish and properly record the items taken during the operation.
Both the seized equipment and the arrested individual were placed under the custody of ADN MARPSTA pending the proper disposition of the confiscated materials and the filing of appropriate charges.
According to authorities, the operation is in connection with alleged violations of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, particularly Section 103, which covers the theft of minerals. The operation also cited alleged violations of Sections 5 and 6 of Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order No. 2022-03, which provides implementing rules related to Republic Act No. 7076, or the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991.
The authorities have not disclosed further details about the identity of the arrested individual or the specific circumstances surrounding the alleged mining activity. The appropriate charges are reportedly being prepared as the investigation and documentation process continues.
The operation underscores the continuing enforcement efforts of law enforcement and mining authorities against unauthorized or unlawful mining activities, particularly those conducted without the necessary permits and regulatory compliance.
Authorities emphasized that the confiscation of mining equipment and the arrest form part of the enforcement process, while the liability of the arrested individual will ultimately be determined through the appropriate legal proceedings.