By Michael Uy | Philippine Information Agency | July 13, 2026

(PHOTO: PIA)

NABUNTURAN, Davao de Oro (PIA) — Police personnel, in coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau XI, arrested 30 individuals in Barangay Araibo, Pantukan, on July 7 for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

According to the PNP report, 27 individuals were apprehended during the illegal mining operations, while three other persons were nabbed in follow-up operations later that evening.

Recovered from the scene of the incident were 128 sacks of suspected gold ore, a fabricated blower, a jackhammer, chainsaws, generator sets, an inverted generator, and an ELF truck. Reports stated that the items were estimated at Php 5.54 million.

Operatives also seized four firearms, ammunition, and other items.

The arrested individuals were brought to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Davao de Oro Provincial Field Unit for the filing of appropriate charges, and the recovered mineral ores and related equipment were turned over to the MGB XI.

Since the start of his administration, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has ordered strict enforcement of laws against illegal and irresponsible mining, cracking down on unauthorized activities to prevent environmental destruction and protect the country’s natural wealth.

MGB XI Regional Director Beverly Brebante stressed that the agency issued a cease-and-desist order (CDO) against the group in 2019. While operations initially stopped, intelligence reports indicate the group resumed activities when authorities were absent.

Meanwhile, PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the enforcement units involved in the operations.

The operation involved personnel from the CIDG Davao de Oro Provincial Field Unit, Pantukan Municipal Police Station, Davao de Oro Police Provincial Office, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 11, and the Highway Patrol Group.

“Ang operasyong ito ay nagpapakita ng kahalagahan ng pagkakaisa ng ating mga law enforcement units at partner agencies sa pagpapatupad ng batas. Hindi lamang natin pinoprotektahan ang ating likas na yaman, kundi pinananatili rin natin ang kapayapaan at kaayusan sa mga komunidad. Patuloy nating isasagawa ang ganitong mga operasyon nang may propesyonalismo, paggalang sa karapatang pantao, at mahigpit na pagsunod sa due process,” Gen. Nartatez said.

(This operation highlights the importance of unity among our law enforcement units and partner agencies in enforcing the law. We are not only protecting our natural resources, but we’re also maintaining peace and order in our communities. We will continue to conduct these operations with professionalism, respect for human rights, and strict adherence to due process.) (PIA Davao de Oro/mlu/source: PNP)

Source: Philippine Information Agency

.