9 aliens fall in illegal mining raid in Surigao del Sur
BUTUAN CITY – Nine Chinese nationals and a Filipino involved in illegal mining activities were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation conducted in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur on Thursday evening.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Police Regional Office (PRO)-13 (Caraga) reported that the Chinese nationals, arrested in Carac-an Downstream in Barangay Lobo, are now under the custody of the Cantilan Municipal Police. The arrested suspects were not named in the statement.
The operatives also seized heavy equipment and mining paraphernalia, which include multiple excavators, pay loaders, dump trucks, generator sets, sluice boxes, water pumps, bunkhouses, and other support equipment used in the illegal extraction of mineral resources worth P50.5 million.
The seized equipment and paraphernalia were turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for proper disposition and environmental case build-up.
“This successful operation reflects our firm resolve to protect our natural resources and enforce environmental laws without fear or favor,” PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Marcial Mariano Magistrado IV said.
Illegal mining, he said, not only destroys the environment but also undermines lawful industries and community safety.
Magistrado also lauded the support of other agencies that led to the success of the operations, including the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in the area, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine Air Force, and the various police units in the region.
The arrested suspects will face charges for violating Republic Act 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, as well as other applicable environmental and immigration laws.