BUTUAN CITY — Thirteen individuals, including four Chinese nationals, were arrested during a massive anti-illegal mining operation in Agusan del Sur, as authorities intensify efforts to curb environmental crimes under Oplan Kalikasan.
The joint operation, carried out on July 10, 2025, at around 3:00 p.m., targeted two illegal mining sites located in Purok 12, Bulong-Bulongan, Barangay Bunawan Brooks, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.
Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit 13 – Regional Special Operations Team, 14th Special Action Company of the PNP-SAF, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region 13, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Bunawan, DENR Enforcement Division, and Bunawan Municipal Police Station led the coordinated enforcement.
Among those arrested were four Chinese nationals identified only by their aliases as “Big Li,” 58; “Hua,” 42; “Vee,” 43; and “Ting,” 58, all caught operating in Sites 1 and 3.
Nine Filipino nationals were also apprehended in Site 2, including:
- “Campos,” 21
- “Joseph,” 34
- “Arnel,” 38
- “Justine,” 28
- “Willy,” 42
- “Joel,” 38
- “Fuentes,” 19
- “Harold,” 26
- “Juvy,” 32
Most of the suspects are residents of Rosario and other towns in Agusan del Sur.
Authorities said the suspects were caught in the act of extracting gold and other minerals without permits from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, violating Sections 103 and 55 of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Millions Worth of Equipment and Ore Seized
Recovered from the sites were an array of heavy equipment and mining paraphernalia, including:
- From Sites 1 & 3 (Chinese suspects):
- 44 sacks of fine sand with visible gold content
- 5 sluice boxes, 6 generators, 6 excavators
- Sluice matting, hoses, pumps
- A Ford Ranger pickup (Plate No. ZCX-3237)
- Fuel containers and metal basins
- From Site 2 (Filipino suspects):
- 8 sacks of gold-bearing sand
- Sluice machines, matting, electric and hydraulic pumps
- Solar lights, excavators, and fuel gallons
The total value of confiscated materials and equipment is estimated at ₱7.9 million. All items are now under the custody of CIDG Agusan del Sur and will be turned over to the CENRO for proper disposition.
Authorities ensured that all arrested individuals were informed of their rights in a language they understood—Mandarin for the Chinese nationals—with barangay officials present during the inventory of seized evidence.
Sustained Crackdown on Environmental Offenders
The CIDG stressed that this operation is part of its broader campaign to combat environmental crimes and unregulated resource extraction under Oplan Kalikasan.
“This latest accomplishment reflects our commitment to protect our environment, enforce the law, and put an end to illegal mining operations in the Caraga Region,” the CIDG said in a statement.
Criminal charges are being prepared against the suspects, who will face prosecution for violating the country’s mining and environmental laws.