Three individuals were arrested during an anti-illegal mining operation conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group in Sitio Pinaypayan, Barangay Mat-i, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, in the early hours of November 8, 2026.
The operation was led by the Surigao del Norte Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), in coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region XIII and other PNP units, following information received by authorities regarding alleged unauthorized small-scale mining activities in the area.
Police operatives reportedly caught the three individuals engaged in small-scale mining operations without the necessary permits or government authorization. Their alleged activities constitute a violation of Section 18 of Republic Act No. 7076, also known as the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991, which regulates small-scale mining operations and requires compliance with applicable government regulations.
Authorities confiscated various mining tools and equipment, along with mineral ore, with a combined estimated value of ₱294,550.
The three arrested individuals are currently under the custody of the Surigao del Norte Maritime Police Station for documentation and the preparation of appropriate criminal complaints for filing before the City Prosecutor’s Office.
Meanwhile, the confiscated mining equipment and mineral ore have been formally turned over to MGB Region XIII for proper assessment, handling, and disposition in accordance with existing regulations.
The operation underscores the continuing enforcement efforts of the PNP Maritime Group and mining regulatory authorities against unauthorized mining activities, particularly those conducted without the permits required by law.
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Authorities have yet to disclose further details about the identities of the arrested individuals and the specific mining equipment recovered during the operation.