By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusasn del Sur โ Nearly 2,000 sacks of suspected illegally mined copper minerals valued at approximately โฑ600,000 were discovered concealed inside a makeshift storage shed during a joint anti-illegal mining operation led by Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13) in Tubay, Agusan del Norte, on July 13.
The operation resulted in the recovery of 1,856 sacks of suspected copper minerals allegedly extracted, transported, or possessed without the necessary permits and lawful authority.
According to police reports, local authorities received information regarding numerous sacks of suspected copper minerals hidden inside a โbanlag,โ or makeshift storage shed, located in Purok 7, Barangay Santa Ana, Tubay, Agusan del Norte.
Acting swiftly on the information, personnel of the Tubay Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the 2nd Agusan del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd ADNPMFC) coordinated with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-Tubay, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO)-Tubay, and the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) of Agusan del Norte.
The participating agencies subsequently conducted the joint operation as part of the governmentโs intensified campaign against illegal mining, environmental destruction, and the unlawful exploitation of the countryโs natural resources.
Initial investigation indicated that the recovered minerals may have been extracted, transported, or possessed without lawful authority, possibly constituting a violation of Section 103 of Republic Act No. 7942, otherwise known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
The recovered copper minerals were turned over to CENRO-Tubay for proper custody and confiscation proceedings. The items will later be endorsed to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Surigao City for further examination, evaluation, and appropriate action.
Meanwhile, authorities have launched a thorough investigation to identify the owner and other individuals who may be connected to the recovered minerals. Investigators are also working to determine possible criminal liability and facilitate the filing of appropriate charges.
โI commend our operating personnel and partner agencies for the successful operation. PRO13 remains steadfast in intensifying its operations against illegal mining and all forms of environmental crime,โ said PBGEN Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado IV, Regional Director of PRO13.
โWe will continue to work closely with our partner agencies and the community to ensure that those who exploit our natural resources in violation of the law are held accountable. Together, we will protect our environment and uphold the rule of law for the benefit of present and future generations,โ he added.
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