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​30 arrested, ₱5.5-M in gold ore and equipment seized in Davao de Oro illegal mining raid

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

AUTHORITIES arrested 30 individuals and seized an estimated ₱5.54 million worth of gold ore and equipment during a joint anti-illegal mining operation in Barangay Araibo, Pantukan, Davao de Oro, on Tuesday, July 7.

​The crackdown was executed by a multi-agency task force led by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau XI.

​Twenty-seven individuals were initially apprehended after authorities caught them in the act of operating an illegal mining site. The suspects face charges for violating Republic Act No. 7942, otherwise known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

​According to official reports, law enforcement recovered:

  • ​128 sacks of suspected gold ore
  • ​Jackhammers, chainsaws, generator sets, an inverter generator, and a fabricated blower
  • ​One Isuzu ELF truck used for transport

​During the initial sweep, police also discovered that a portal guard at the site was illegally carrying a .45 caliber pistol.

​The operation continued later that evening when authorities flagged a white pick-up truck with armed individuals while they were conducting an inventory of the seized contraband. 

​A swift follow-up response by the police intercepted the vehicle, resulting in the arrest of three additional suspects. Authorities confiscated three more firearms and ammunition from the vehicle.

​All 30 suspects are currently held in custody at the CIDG-Davao de Oro office pending the filing of formal charges. The seized mineral ores and mining equipment have been turned over to MGB XI for proper disposition.

The operation was the result of inter-agency coordination by CIDG Davao de Oro, Pantukan Municipal Police Station, Davao de Oro Police Provincial Office, Regional Mobile Force Battalion XI, the Highway Patrol Group, and the MGB XI.

​PNP Director General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. lauded the operation for their tactical precision and synergy.

​”Ang operasyon na ito ay nagpapakita ng kahalagahan ng pagkakaisa ng ating mga law enforcement units at partner agencies sa pagpapatupad ng batas,” Nartatez said in a statement. “Hindi lamang natin pinoprotektahan ang ating likas na yaman, kundi pinananatili rin natin ang kapayapaan at kaayusan sa mga komunidad.”

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EastMinCom airlifts 20 Chinese nationals to Manila following immigration violations

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) airlifted 20 Chinese nationals to Metro Manila on April 30, utilizing a Tactical Operations Wing–Eastern Mindanao (TOW-EM) C-295 aircraft. 

The operation was part of the inter-agency efforts to enforce immigration and environmental laws.

Upon arrival, the individuals were formally turned over to the Bureau of Immigration Warden Facility (BIWF) in Muntinlupa for detention and processing.

The 20 foreign nationals were originally apprehended on April 22 during a joint operation by EastMinCom and the BI.

They face charges for alleged violations of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, specifically Section 37(a)(9) in relation to Section 45(e), for engaging in unauthorized economic activities.

Reports indicate that the individuals are linked to illegal mining operations, a violation of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. 

Authorities have intensified their crackdown on unregulated mining across Mindanao in recent months, citing serious concerns over environmental degradation, loss of government revenue, and regional security.

EastMinCom stated that the mission underscores the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ capability for rapid air mobility and its vital role in supporting civil law enforcement. 

The command reiterated its commitment to strengthening inter-agency coordination with the BI and other government partners to ensure the strict enforcement of national laws, the protection of natural resources, and the preservation of public order.

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EnvironmentNews

Davao Oriental intensifies crackdown on illegal mining operations

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE PROVINCIAL Government of Davao Oriental intensified its crackdown against illegal mining activities in the province. 

Following verified reports from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) that illegal mineral extraction had resumed along the Sumlog River, enforcement operations were carried out in Barangay Marayag, Lupon. 

The provincial government immediately ordered a composite force to enforce Executive Order No. 72, Series of 2025, directing a province-wide crackdown on unauthorized mining, hauling, and transport of sand, gravel, and other minerals.

Despite the Municipal Government of Lupon’s earlier issuance of Executive Order No. 38, Series of 2025, which mandated the suspension of quarrying operations in the affected area, the illegal activities persisted. 

PENRO acting department head Derbert B. General led a Composite Task Force, which included the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Army’s 701st Infantry Brigade, 66th Infantry Battalion, the Provincial Information Office (PIO), and the Barangay Council of Marayag. 

The task force, upon continuous monitoring and direct enforcement, resulted in the confiscation of illegally extracted ores, equipment, and vehicles used in illicit operations.

Governor Nelson Dayanghirang reiterated that illegal mining in any form is not tolerated in the province, noting its harmful impact on the environment, community safety, and the integrity of the province’s natural resources.

“We have to safeguard our Sumlog River and other areas in Davao Oriental for our children and for the next generation,” Dayanghirang said. 

He added that the crackdown in Marayag is part of the broader provincial effort to safeguard the environment, in addition to the continued effort against the mining operations in Macambol.

The provincial government has already filed a formal complaint against the Macambol mining project to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary, the Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA), and the Office of the President of the Philippines.

The complaint is composed of the community’s fears, environmental risks, and potential long-term damage to protected ecosystems surrounding Macambol. 

To note, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan joined the governor in appealing for intervention and suspension of activities pending a thorough review of the mining operations. 

“We have already done our part. The documents are with the national offices and the President,” he said. 

While the provincial government is awaiting for response, Dayanchirang stressed the stand remains firm against any mining operations that threaten the province. 

Violators of illegal mining activities will face serious penalties under Republic Act No. 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995) and Republic Act No. 7076 (Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991), including arrest, confiscation of equipment and minerals, fines, and permanent suspension of operations.

The public is advised to immediately report illegal excavation, hauling at night, or suspicious movements of minerals to ENRO, local police, barangay officials, or the nearest military detachment.

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