BAROBO, Surigao del Sur — September 3, 2026 — Several individuals were arrested and mining equipment and other materials worth an estimated ₱503,825 were confiscated during a joint law enforcement operation targeting alleged illegal mining activities in Barobo, Surigao del Sur.
The operation was carried out in Purok 6, Barangay Guinhalinan by personnel of the 1301st Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13 (RMFB 13) in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Office 13, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office 13, and the Barobo Municipal Police Station.
Authorities said the operation stemmed from information provided by concerned citizens regarding alleged unauthorized mining activities in the area.
Following verification of the report, law enforcement personnel reportedly found several individuals engaged in the extraction of mineral resources without the necessary permits or licenses from the DENR.
The discovery prompted authorities to apprehend the individuals and secure equipment and materials believed to have been used in the reported mining activities.
Among the items confiscated were hammer drills, air blowers, submersible drainage pumps, chainsaws, generators, closed-circuit television (CCTV) equipment, timber, hoses, sluice mats, and other mining-related tools and materials.
Authorities placed the total estimated market value of the confiscated items at ₱503,825.
The operation highlights the continuing enforcement efforts of government agencies against mining activities conducted without the permits and regulatory clearances required under Philippine law.
The arrested individuals were informed of their constitutional rights, including the rights guaranteed under the Miranda Doctrine, as well as protections provided under the Anti-Torture Act. They were subsequently brought to the Barobo Municipal Police Station for documentation, proper disposition, and the filing of appropriate legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, the seized equipment and materials were turned over to the DENR-CENRO Lianga Depository Area in Barangay Ganayon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur, where they were placed under government custody for proper disposition.
Inter-agency campaign strengthened
The participating agencies reaffirmed their commitment to closer coordination in addressing illegal mining and other activities that threaten the country’s natural resources.
The operation forms part of broader enforcement efforts to ensure that mineral extraction is undertaken only in accordance with applicable laws, permits, environmental safeguards, and government regulations.
Authorities cited Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, which provides the legal framework governing the exploration, development, utilization and conservation of mineral resources in the country.
Beyond the issue of unauthorized extraction, authorities emphasized the importance of preventing activities that could potentially cause environmental degradation when mining operations are conducted outside the regulatory system.
The joint operation also underscored the role of communities in detecting and reporting suspected violations. Information from concerned citizens can help government agencies identify areas where unauthorized extraction or other natural-resource violations may be taking place.
Authorities urged residents to continue reporting suspected illegal mining activities and other violations involving the country’s natural resources to the appropriate government offices.
The PNP, DENR, MGB and other partner agencies said they would continue strengthening inter-agency operations and enforcement measures to protect mineral and other natural resources, uphold environmental regulations, and ensure that those engaged in unauthorized activities are dealt with in accordance with law.
The latest operation in Barobo sends a clear message that government agencies are prepared to pursue coordinated enforcement against illegal mining while relying on community reporting and inter-agency cooperation to protect Surigao del Sur’s natural resources for future generations.