SURIGAO CITY, Philippines — Authorities arrested 18 individuals, including eight Chinese nationals, and seized heavy mining equipment, vehicles, firearms, and other paraphernalia valued at ₱153.343 million during an intensified crackdown on alleged large-scale illegal mining in Barangay Mabini, Surigao City, on October 14.
The operation, announced by the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) on October 15, was conducted through a coordinated effort involving the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Office and Regional Office 13, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Caraga, and other law enforcement units.
The operation forms part of the government’s continuing campaign to curb illegal mining activities and protect the country’s natural resources from unauthorized extraction and exploitation.
Eight Chinese Nationals Among Those Arrested
PRO 13 Director Police Brigadier General Rolindo M. Suguilon identified the eight Chinese nationals arrested during the operation using their aliases: “Chow,” 53; “Chao,” 58; “Yong,” 53; “Wen,” 52; “Hao,” 39; “Long,” 51; “Wan,” 33; and “Tsua Peng,” 53.
Authorities said the individuals came from various locations in China, including Hunan, Gansu, Longnan, and Guangzhou.
The 10 other arrested individuals were identified by their aliases as “Mike,” 35; “John,” 29; “Gani,” 46; “Jof,” 26; “Anton,” 45; “Chan,” 27; “Mar,” 26; “Sun,” 27; “Chel,” 38; and “Jose,” 56.
Based on the police report, several of the Filipino suspects worked as backhoe operators, while others were identified as a payloader operator and a dump truck driver. Their reported places of residence included Surigao City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga City, Davao City, Davao de Oro, and Claver, Surigao del Norte.
Authorities have yet to provide further details on the specific roles allegedly played by each individual in the mining operation.
Heavy Equipment Worth More Than ₱153 Million Confiscated
The scale of the operation was underscored by the volume of equipment and materials recovered by authorities.
The seized assets included eight dump trucks, five payloaders, 16 truck excavators, and eight generator sets, along with four improvised sluice machines and various pieces of sluice matting used in mining-related activities.
Authorities also confiscated a Toyota Hilux pickup truck, two compressors, one drum of hydraulic oil, 15 panel boards, seven batteries, two containers of grease oil, and two drums of diesel fuel.
The inventory further included two improvised air guns, an Armscor shotgun, Model 3, and 12 rounds of live shotgun ammunition.
The estimated total value of the confiscated mining equipment and paraphernalia reached ₱153,343,000, according to PRO 13.
The presence of heavy machinery and specialized equipment points to the substantial operational capacity of the site under investigation. However, the authorities have not publicly detailed the alleged mining operation’s ownership structure, duration, or total volume of minerals extracted.
Multi-Agency Operation Targets Illegal Mining
The successful operation involved personnel from the PRO 13 Regional Intelligence Division, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13, Eastern Mindanao Flight, 3013CIS of the Philippine Air Force, Surigao City Police Station, the 1st and 2nd Surigao del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Companies, and personnel from the DENR Central Office and Regional Office 13, MGB Caraga, and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Surigao del Norte.
Suguilon commended the participating personnel and partner agencies, emphasizing the importance of coordinated intelligence, operational planning, and inter-agency cooperation in addressing illegal activities that threaten the environment.
He said the operation demonstrated the importance of cooperation between the police and environmental authorities in protecting and preserving the country’s natural resources.
“We will pursue all legal means to ensure that the full force of the law is applied to those responsible in this large-scale illegal mining operation,” Suguilon said.
Suspects Detained as Investigation Continues
The 18 arrested individuals are currently detained at the Surigao City Police Station for proper disposition, while the confiscated heavy equipment and mining-related paraphernalia have been placed under the custody of MGB Caraga.
Authorities are expected to determine the appropriate legal charges and establish the individual responsibilities of those arrested based on the evidence gathered during the operation.
The case also places renewed attention on the enforcement of environmental and mining regulations, particularly in areas where unauthorized extraction can threaten ecosystems, degrade land, and undermine the responsible management of mineral resources.
Illegal mining can expose surrounding communities to environmental risks, including land degradation, sedimentation of waterways, and potential contamination, depending on the methods used and the conditions at the mining site. The extent of any environmental damage associated with the operation in Barangay Mabini has not yet been disclosed.
Suguilon said PRO 13 would continue intensifying its campaign against illegal activities and other forms of criminality to maintain peace, order, and security across the Caraga region.
The operation represents a significant enforcement action in terms of the number of individuals arrested and the value of equipment seized. The next steps will involve the investigation, assessment of evidence, and appropriate legal proceedings against those found responsible.