Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga disclosed that the government is building up a case against the operators of a suspected illegal mineral reprocessing plant in Paracale, Camarines Norte where Chinese nationals were found.
In a Palace briefing on Wednesday, Oct. 16, Loyzaga said that the criminal charges might potentially be filed against the plant.
"Yes, on the potential criminal charges ‘no, I will not go into that because the case build-up is ongoing," Loyzaga said.
According to the DENR chief, the small-scale mining firm secured a permit in 2023 but was later found conducting business beyond its authorized area of operation.
“This operation has history. In 2023, we also know that they completed their permitting requirements and had been permitted to operate,” Loyzaga said.
“However now, they have been found to be operating beyond the area that they have been permitted to operate. And, of course, there is presence of foreign workers,” she added.
Loyzaga said the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) launched a joint raid operation last Sunday against the mining facility in Barangay Tugos.
Nabbed during the raid were 11 Chinese nationals suspected to be the ones running the mill, the official added.
The 11 arrested Chinese nationals have undergone inquest proceedings for violation of immigration laws.
Loyzaga further said that this is not the first time they arrested Chinese miners. Last year, authorities nabbed five Chinese nationals for alleged illegal extraction of minerals in Misamis Oriental.