DENR | August 8, 2025

(PHOTO: DENR)

A joint anti-illegal mining operation on August 2, 2025 in Barangay Nangcaon, Opol, Misamis Oriental has exposed a large-scale illegal mining activity believed to be operated by an incumbent barangay official. The raid resulted in the arrest of one individual and the seizure of several heavy equipment, sparking concerns about public trust and accountability.

The operation was jointly carried out by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region X (MGB-10), Environmental Management Bureau Region 10 (EMB-10), the National Bureau of Investigation–North Eastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-NEMRO), and the 2nd Special Forces Company under the 1st SF Battalion, 403rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

Authorities arrested an operator of a hydraulic excavator during the unauthorized extraction of sand, gravel, and other fluvial materials from the Iponan River system. Intelligence reports point to a sitting barangay official as the suspected operator behind the illegal activities.

Recovered and seized at the site were three hydraulic excavators, ten water pumps, multiple hoses, sluice mats, and sluice boxes, a wooden pan, and a sack containing receipts and transaction logs directly linking the operation to the sale of extracted materials.

Drone footage and ground verification revealed a 4.88-hectare disturbed area with excavation depths averaging three meters, confirming the large-scale and sustained nature of the illegal activity and highlighting the severe environmental degradation of the river system.

The accused now faces criminal charges for theft of minerals under Section 103 of Republic Act No. 7942, and for violation of the Water Code of the Philippines. Further investigation is underway to ensure that all responsible parties, particularly those in positions of power, are held fully accountable.

Source: Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources

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