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PNP: 9 foreigners arrested for illegal mining in Masbate

Philippines | National

PNP: 9 foreigners arrested for illegal mining in Masbate

By Aaron Recuenco

photo: PNP

Police arrested nine foreigners for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities during a raid in Masbate, the Philippine National Police (PNP) disclosed on Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said the operation was conducted in response to complaints of local residents regarding the adverse effects of the mining in Barangays Cabangcalan and Pangle, both in Aroroy town.

During the operation on Monday, Sept. 22, Nartatez said it was confirmed that mining was illegal and those involved are Chinese.

Police seized heavy equipment used in the operations, including five dump trucks, six backhoes, a Sino truck trailer, two loaders, a generator set, two unserviceable sports utility vehicles, and a pickup truck.

“The Philippine National Police will never tolerate illegal mining and immigration violations by foreign nationals. These acts not only destroy our environment but also undermine the rule of law and threaten national security,” said Nartatez.

“The PNP will not allow anyone, especially foreigners, to destroy our environment. I commend our personnel for their immediate action that resulted in the arrest of these people,” he added.

Nartatez said the apprehended foreign nationals were turned over to the Bureau of Immigration for documentation, profiling, and appropriate legal action.

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