SURIGAO CITY – Authorities dismantled an alleged illegal gold mining operation in Surigao City, leading to the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of an estimated ₱9.5 million worth of mining equipment during a coordinated enforcement operation aimed at protecting the country’s natural resources.
The operation was conducted at around 5:36 p.m. on July 23, 2026, in Sitio Bedrock, Barangay Mabini, Surigao City, by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Surigao del Norte Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with representatives from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Office XIII, and the Surigao City Police Station.
Authorities said the operation resulted in the arrest of four male suspects, all of legal age, who were allegedly caught conducting mining activities without the required permits under Republic Act No. 7942, otherwise known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Seized from the site were two backhoes, eight sacks of gold ore whose quantity and value are still being determined, sluice matting, metal hoses or slurry pipes, a water pump, and several other pieces of equipment believed to have been used in the illegal extraction and processing of gold. The total estimated value of the confiscated equipment was placed at ₱9.5 million.
According to a report submitted to CIDG Director PMGEN Robert A.A. Morico II, the suspects failed to present any valid mining permits, mineral processing permits, or any authority issued by the MGB-DENR authorizing them to extract and process gold ore. Their inability to produce the required legal documents rendered both their mining and ore-processing activities illegal under Philippine law.
Morico emphasized that under the Philippine Mining Act, all mineral resources found in public and private lands, including those within the country’s exclusive economic zone, are owned by the State. He stressed that the exploration, development, utilization, and conservation of these resources must be carried out responsibly through lawful means that balance economic development with environmental protection and the rights of affected communities.
He warned that illegal mining operations circumvent environmental regulations, environmental impact assessments, and site rehabilitation requirements designed to minimize ecological damage.
“Illegal mining operations completely bypass environmental regulations and rehabilitation plans. These activities will cause severe, long-term destruction to terrestrial, aquatic, and human ecosystems and may trigger a chain reaction of ecological disasters,” the CIDG chief said.
Authorities noted that unregulated mining activities often result in soil erosion, river siltation, water contamination, habitat destruction, and increased risks of landslides and flooding, posing serious threats not only to biodiversity but also to nearby communities.
The CIDG leadership commended PLTCOL Butch Ian C. Miñoza, Regional Chief of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 13, along with the CIDG Surigao del Norte Provincial Field Unit headed by PLTCOL Darwin B. Dura, for the successful operation under OPLAN KALIKASAN, the CIDG’s nationwide campaign against environmental crimes.
Officials said the successful raid demonstrates the agency’s continuing commitment to combat environmental law violations, particularly illegal mining activities that exploit the country’s natural resources without regard for environmental sustainability or public welfare.
The CIDG also reiterated its commitment to aggressively enforce environmental laws across the country and called on the public to support government efforts by reporting violations involving illegal mining, unauthorized quarrying, unlawful logging, and destructive fishing activities.
Authorities stressed that community participation remains vital in protecting the nation’s forests, rivers, mineral resources, and ecosystems from exploitation that could have irreversible environmental consequences.