Authorities launched a major crackdown against illegal mining operations in Northern Mindanao after operatives of the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) seized an estimated ₱5 million worth of heavy equipment and arrested one suspect during a predawn operation in Barangay Tumpagon, Cagayan de Oro City on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
The joint anti-illegal mining operation was carried out at around 3:30 a.m. by personnel of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) Police Station 8, together with Civilian Military Force Company (CMFC) personnel deputized by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), in coordination with MGB Region X and barangay officials of Tumpagon.
Arrested during the operation was alias “Jon,” a male laborer of legal age and a resident of the area. He is now facing charges for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
According to authorities, the operation stemmed from an endorsement by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 10 – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR X-CENRO), following a Bantay Suba monitoring report on alleged illegal mining activities in the area.
Upon reaching the site, operating teams reportedly caught several individuals actively engaged in the extraction and processing of mineralized soil believed to contain gold deposits and other mineral ores.
Investigators said they discovered fresh excavation marks, shallow mining pits, and stockpiles of extracted materials scattered across the site — clear indicators of ongoing illegal mining activities deep within the mountainous barangay.
Police said four men, including alias “Jon,” were seen operating within the illegal mining area. However, upon sensing the arrival of law enforcement personnel, the suspects allegedly fled toward the mountainous terrain under the cover of darkness.
Despite the difficult terrain and limited visibility, authorities successfully apprehended alias “Jon” after he was positively identified as one of the individuals actively participating in the illegal operation.
Recovered during the raid were two heavy excavators allegedly used in the illegal mining activities — a yellow Hyundai excavator and a yellow SDLG excavator — with a combined estimated market value of ₱5 million.
The confiscated equipment will be turned over to MGB Region X for technical verification and proper disposition, while follow-up operations are underway to identify and arrest the remaining suspects who managed to escape.
PRO10 Regional Director Christopher N. Abrahano commended the operating teams for the successful enforcement operation and reiterated the police force’s commitment to protecting the environment and natural resources from exploitation.
“PRO10 will continue to intensify operations against illegal mining activities that threaten the environment and exploit natural resources. We remain committed to working closely with partner agencies to ensure that violators of environmental laws are held accountable,” Abrahano said.
Illegal mining remains a persistent environmental concern in several parts of Mindanao, with authorities warning that unregulated excavation activities contribute to soil erosion, river contamination, landslides, and the destruction of forested areas.