San Francisco, Agusan del Sur — Authorities arrested 17 individuals and confiscated mining equipment and materials worth an estimated ₱510,000 during an anti-illegal mining operation in Sitio Sopon, Barangay Alegria, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur on the afternoon of January 23, 2026.
The operation, conducted at around 4:30 p.m., was led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Agusan del Sur Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) CENRO-Bunawan, San Francisco Municipal Police Station, and the ADS Provincial Intelligence Unit.
According to authorities, the suspects were caught in the act of conducting small-scale mining operations using electrical and mechanical equipment without the required legal permits, in clear violation of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
The arrested individuals were identified only by their aliases: Silverio, Rodolfo, Rodel, Eljumer, Miguel, Mateo, Jopher, Jonard, Ryan, Julee, Bernard, Junebert, Jimmy, Argie, Robert, Elorde, and Buenaventura.
Seized during the operation were 55 sacks of gold-bearing rock materials, several chainsaws (including Stihl and baby chainsaws), multiple water pumps (Blackstone, Honda, Rigid, and Robin brands), an electric blower, engine with blower, shovels, gold pans, and various lumber materials such as top logs and side logs.
Authorities said the entire operation was video-recorded using Boblov body-worn cameras. The suspects were informed of the reasons for their arrest and apprised of their constitutional rights before being taken to the police office for proper documentation and processing.
Cases to be filed against the suspects include Section 101 (Illegal Exploration), Section 103 (Theft of Minerals), and Section 110 (Penal Provisions), in relation to Section 53 of RA 7942, to be pursued through inquest proceedings.
The Philippine National Police and DENR reiterated their call for the public to stop illegal mining activities, stressing that such operations pose serious threats to the environment and public safety. Authorities vowed to continue intensified enforcement efforts to protect natural resources and ensure the welfare of local communities.