By Chris V. Panganiban
Inquirer Mindanao
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Four men were arrested and an estimated P9.5 million worth of heavy equipment, gold ore and mining tools were seized during an anti-illegal mining operation in Barangay Mabini in Surigao City, authorities said.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said the operation was conducted at about 5:36 p.m. on July 23 in Sitio Bedrock by personnel of the CIDG Surigao del Norte Provincial Field Unit, representatives of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga office, and the Surigao City police.
Authorities confiscated two backhoes, eight sacks of suspected gold ore, sluice mats, metal hoses or slurry pipes, a water pump and other equipment allegedly used in the mining operation.
The exact value and mineral content of the recovered ore have yet to be determined.
According to a report submitted to CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II, the four suspects were allegedly caught conducting mining and ore-processing activities without permits or authorization from the MGB.
The suspects also failed to present documents allowing them to extract or process gold ore, prompting authorities to place them under arrest for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Under the law, mineral resources found in public and private lands within the country’s territory and exclusive economic zone are owned by the state. Their exploration, development and use are subject to government regulation and environmental safeguards.
The CIDG said unauthorized mining operations could evade environmental regulations, rehabilitation requirements and safety standards, posing risks to nearby communities and terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Morico commended the CIDG Regional Field Unit 13, led by Lt. Col. Butch Ian Miñoza, and the Surigao del Norte Provincial Field Unit, headed by Lt. Col. Darwin Dura, for the operation.
The raid was conducted under the CIDG’s Oplan Kalikasan, a campaign against violations involving the environment and natural resources.
Authorities urged the public to report suspected illegal mining, quarrying, logging and destructive fishing activities in their communities.
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