DAVAO DE ORO, Philippines – A massive anti-illegal mining operation conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP), in coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region XI and other government agencies, resulted in the arrest of 30 individuals and the seizure of approximately ₱5.54 million worth of suspected gold ore, mining equipment, and firearms in Barangay Araibo, Pantukan, Davao de Oro on July 7.
The coordinated law enforcement operation targeted an alleged illegal mining site operating in the mountainous barangay, leading to the arrest of 27 individuals for the alleged violation of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Authorities discovered a fully operational unauthorized mining site during the raid and recovered 128 sacks of suspected gold ore, along with various equipment believed to have been used in the illegal extraction of mineral resources.
Among the items confiscated were a fabricated blower, several jackhammers, chainsaws, generator sets, an inverter generator, and an Isuzu ELF truck allegedly used in the mining activities. The combined estimated value of the seized mineral ores and equipment reached approximately ₱5.54 million.
During the operation, police also apprehended an individual serving as a portal guard after he was found carrying an unlicensed caliber .45 pistol, adding a firearms-related offense to the list of possible charges.
Armed Men Intercepted During Inventory
Authorities encountered another security threat later that evening while conducting an inventory of the confiscated items at the operation site.
Police received intelligence reports that several armed individuals aboard a white pickup truck were approaching the area.
Responding immediately, operating personnel launched a follow-up operation that resulted in the arrest of three additional suspects. Authorities confiscated three firearms, ammunition, and other related items from the suspects.
The arrests prevented what authorities believe could have escalated into a confrontation at the operation site.
Charges Being Prepared
All 30 arrested individuals are currently under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Davao de Oro Provincial Field Unit, where appropriate criminal charges are being prepared.
Meanwhile, the recovered mineral ores and mining equipment have been turned over to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region XI for proper documentation, evaluation, and disposition.
Multi-Agency Operation
The successful enforcement operation was carried out through the combined efforts of personnel from:
- CIDG Davao de Oro Provincial Field Unit
- Pantukan Municipal Police Station
- Davao de Oro Police Provincial Office
- Regional Mobile Force Battalion 11
- Highway Patrol Group
- Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region XI
Protecting Natural Resources
The operation forms part of the Philippine National Police’s Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which emphasizes intensified and coordinated law enforcement efforts against illegal activities, including unauthorized mining operations that threaten the environment and public safety.
Authorities said the operation also supports the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen environmental protection, safeguard the country’s natural resources, and strictly enforce laws governing mining activities.
Illegal mining continues to pose serious environmental and safety risks, including deforestation, land degradation, water contamination, and the operation of unsafe underground tunnels that endanger both workers and surrounding communities. Law enforcement agencies vowed to sustain intensified operations against illegal mining syndicates operating in mineral-rich areas across Mindanao.