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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 10 foreigners, 16 Filipinos arrested for 'illegal' large-scale copper mining in Bukidnon

10 foreigners, 16 Filipinos arrested for 'illegal' large-scale copper mining in Bukidnon

Published Feb 13, 2026 03:06 pm
Ten foreigners and 16 Filipinos have been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for operating a suspected illegal large-scale copper mining in Libona, Bukidnon.
With their arrest, the NBI said the foreigners – who were identified as Chinese nationals – and the Filipinos were charged with violations of Republic Act No. 7962, the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
The names of those arrested and charged were not disclosed by the NBI.
NBI Acting Director Angelito DLP. Magno said that operatives of the NBI-Northeastern Mindanao Regional Office (NEMRO) and the NBI-Bukidnon District Office (NBI-BUKDO) shut down the mining operation during a raid that was conducted last Feb. 9.
During the raid, the NBI said that its operatives also seized a massive volume of copper, a specialized processing plant, and heavy equipment such as a dump truck, a backhoe, and industrial-grade generator sets.
It also said that the “operatives also found a stockpile of commercial explosives on site for which the Subjects were unable to provide any valid permits or licenses.”
To ensure public safety, the NBI said that personnel from the Philippine National Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit were called in to secure the site and neutralize the hazardous materials.
Magno said: “This operation serves as a stern warning that we will not tolerate the plunder of our natural resources. The NBI remains committed to protecting our environment and strictly enforcing our laws against any foreign entities who attempt to exploit our land through illegal means.”
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