CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Four hydraulic excavators with an estimated combined market value of P28 million were secured by authorities during an operation against alleged illegal mining activities in Sitio Sendong, Barangay Tumpagon, Cagayan de Oro City, early Monday morning, August 17, 2026.
The operation was carried out at about 2:20 a.m. by personnel of Police Station 8 of the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), in coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region X (MGB-10) and barangay officials.
Authorities said the operation was conducted pursuant to Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, as part of efforts to address mining activities allegedly being conducted without the required legal authority.
Upon reaching the target area, the operating team observed indications of recent mining activity, including fresh excavation marks, shallow pits, and stockpiles of extracted mineralized soil and sand believed to contain gold deposits and other mineral ores.
Four fully operational hydraulic excavators were found at the site. These were identified as a yellow KOMATSU excavator, a black ZOOMLION excavator, a black SDLG excavator, and a green HAKATA excavator.
PRO10 said the four heavy equipment units, with an estimated total market value of P28 million, were secured for proper documentation and inventory.
The equipment, however, has not been declared forfeited or finally adjudicated. It remains subject to technical verification by MGB-10 and appropriate disposition in accordance with Republic Act No. 7942 and other applicable regulations.
Authorities also reported that several unidentified men and women who were initially seen in the area and were allegedly engaged in mining activities fled in different directions when the operating personnel arrived.
No identities or arrests were reported in connection with the operation as of the latest information provided by PRO10.
The operation underscores the continuing enforcement challenges faced by authorities in areas where mining activities are allegedly conducted outside the regulatory framework. Under the Philippine Mining Act, mining operations are subject to government regulation and require appropriate permits, agreements, or other legal authority before extraction activities can lawfully proceed.
PRO10 Regional Director PBGEN Christopher N. Abrahano said the police regional office would continue working with government agencies and local authorities to address alleged violations involving the country’s natural resources.
“This operation highlights our continuing commitment to protect our natural resources and enforce the law. We will continue to work closely with the MGB and our local government partners to address these activities and ensure that appropriate action is taken against those found responsible, consistent with due process and the law,” Abrahano said.
The regional police office reiterated that the operation forms part of its broader inter-agency efforts to enforce environmental and mining laws in Northern Mindanao.
PRO10 said it would continue coordinating with MGB-10 and local government units in identifying and addressing alleged unauthorized mining activities, while ensuring that enforcement operations are carried out in accordance with established procedures, due process, and the rule of law.
The identities of the individuals allegedly involved in the mining activities, as well as the legal status and ownership of the four excavators, remain subject to further verification and investigation by the appropriate authorities.