TAMPAKAN, South Cotabato — Authorities dismantled several makeshift facilities used in illegal mining during a coordinated enforcement operation conducted on February 18 in the municipality of Tampakan, South Cotabato, officials confirmed.
The operation was led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region XII (MGB XII) in partnership with the local government of Tampakan. Field operatives targeted sites where illegal “banlas” mining—also known as hydraulicking—had been taking place.
Authorities reported that several makeshift sluice boxes and improvised mining equipment were found and immediately dismantled on site. Among the materials recovered were high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, collapsible hoses, fish nets, metal screens, shovels, tarpaulins, and sluice boxes commonly used in the extraction process. Officials said these items were deliberately rendered unusable during the operation to ensure they could no longer be used in illegal activities.
According to the DENR, the on-site destruction of the equipment was intended not only to halt ongoing illegal mining but also to serve as a strong warning to individuals and groups involved in unauthorized extraction of mineral resources in the area.
The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting the country’s mineral resources and safeguarding communities located near mining zones. Illegal mining operations, authorities noted, often pose environmental risks such as soil erosion, river siltation, and potential hazards to nearby residents.
The February 18 enforcement action follows a similar anti-illegal mining raid conducted by the DENR-MGB in Kiamba in January, highlighting what officials described as a continuing and region-wide crackdown against unlawful mining activities across SOCCSKSARGEN.
A wide range of government units and security forces took part in the latest operation, reflecting a coordinated approach to the issue. These included the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), the DENR Regional Enforcement Division, DENR field offices in South Cotabato, personnel from Sagittarius Mines, Inc., the Philippine National Police through the Tampakan Municipal Police Station, the Regional Mobile Force Battalion XII 1205th Maneuver Company, and the Philippine Army 39th Infantry Battalion.
Officials said the strong inter-agency participation demonstrated a unified government response to the persistent challenge of illegal mining in South Cotabato and nearby provinces.
The DENR urged the public to report suspected illegal mining activities to the nearest DENR or MGB office, emphasizing that enforcement operations will continue and may intensify in the coming months as part of a broader campaign against environmental violations across the SOCCSKSARGEN region.