DENR: 7 Chinese nationals nabbed in Cagayan de Oro for suspected illegal mining
By Jel Santos
(PHOTO:DENR)
Seven Chinese nationals were arrested in Barangay Tuburan, Cagayan de Oro City on July 23 for allegedly violating multiple environmental laws, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region X disclosed.
In a statement released on Saturday, July 26, the agency said the joint operation was carried out by the Headquarters Regional Maritime Unit X, Misamis Oriental Maritime Police Station, Opol Municipal Police Station, Philippine National Police–Regional Mobile Force Battalion X, and the DENR Region X through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Initao.
The environment department said operation led to the confiscation of heavy equipment and materials used in illegal extraction activities, valued at a total of P18,922,500.
Seized items include two hydraulic excavators, one wheel loader, one separator, two rolls of carpet/matting, a sack of washed sand, two water pumps, and a roll of water hose.
(PHOTO:DENR)
The arrested individuals are under the custody of the Misamis Oriental Maritime Police Station. The seized hydraulic excavators and wheel loader were turned over to the Local Government Unit of Tuburan for safekeeping, while other evidence remains in police custody in coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region X.
The DENR said the suspects are now facing charges for violating Republic Act No. 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, Presidential Decree No. 705 or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, and PD No. 1067 or the Water Code of the Philippines.
(PHOTO:DENR)
“I express my sincere gratitude to the Headquarters Regional Maritime Unit X, Misamis Oriental Maritime Police Station, Opol Municipal Police Station, and the Philippine National Police–Regional Mobile Force Battalion X for their vital role as key partners in strengthening collaboration and sustaining the unified efforts in Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) law enforcement,” DENR X Regional Executive Director (RED) Henry A. Adornado said.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant and take an active role in protecting the environment.
Adornado encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activities or ENR-related crimes in their communities to help ensure responsible resource management and protect public welfare.