SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte — Three individuals were arrested during an intelligence-driven police operation targeting alleged illegal mining activities in Barangay Mat-i, Surigao City, on August 27, 2026, according to the Philippine National Police Maritime Group.
The operation was conducted by personnel of the Surigao del Norte Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA) in coordination with a barangay kagawad from Barangay Mat-i and representatives of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region XIII.
Authorities carried out the operation at Purok 10, Barangay Mat-i, following information concerning alleged unauthorized mining activities in the area.
Three individuals arrested
Police arrested three individuals in connection with the alleged illegal mining operation.
The suspects are facing possible charges for an alleged violation of Section 103 of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, which covers offenses related to unauthorized or illegal mining activities.
Authorities have not publicly released the identities of the three arrested individuals.
The operation underscores the continuing enforcement efforts of government authorities against mining activities conducted without the necessary permits and authorization, particularly those that may pose risks to the environment and surrounding communities.
₱11.1 million worth of equipment seized
During the operation, authorities seized various pieces of equipment allegedly being used in the mining activity.
Among the items confiscated were:
- Water pumps
- Hoses
- Batteries
- One backhoe
The total estimated value of the seized equipment was placed at approximately ₱11,117,000.
The seizure represents a significant disruption to the alleged mining operation, with the heavy equipment and other machinery believed to have been used to facilitate the extraction and processing activities at the site.
Equipment turned over to MGB
Following the operation, the three arrested individuals were brought to the Surigao del Norte MARPSTA for documentation and the processing of the appropriate charges.
Meanwhile, the confiscated equipment was turned over to the MGB Regional Office XIII for proper disposition in accordance with existing rules and regulations.
The involvement of the MGB in the operation is significant as the agency is responsible for the administration, management, development and conservation of the country’s mineral resources, including the regulation of mining activities.
Authorities are expected to pursue the filing of appropriate cases based on the evidence gathered during the operation.
The PNP Maritime Group, together with concerned government agencies and local authorities, continues to conduct enforcement operations against alleged illegal mining activities as part of efforts to protect mineral resources, enforce mining laws and prevent unauthorized extraction operations.
The three individuals remain subject to the legal process, and the allegations against them will have to be established in court.