Photo courtesy of PNP
Authorities uncovered an alleged illegal mining operation in a remote area of Iligan City, where heavy equipment and suspected mineral ores worth about P13.16 million were seized and three men were arrested.
Police raided the site in Sitio Binasan, Barangay Rogongon, on August 19 after receiving information about suspected unauthorized mining activities in the area.
The operation involved Police Regional Office 10, DENR-CENRO Iligan, the Iligan City government’s Task Force Kinaiyahan and other police units.
Authorities said several individuals were found at the site when government personnel arrived. Some reportedly escaped, while three men identified as aliases “Rom,” 35, “Nel,” 45, and “Andoy,” 61, were taken into custody.
All three suspects were residents of Cagayan de Oro City. Police did not disclose further details about their alleged roles in the mining operation.
Among the items recovered were a heavy-duty backhoe, a crawler excavator, eight water pumps, hoses and an improvised separator. Authorities also seized half a sack containing suspected mineral ores.
The equipment and suspected ores had a combined estimated value of Php 13.16 million, according to police. The seized items were documented in the presence of DENR personnel and barangay officials.
“Illegal mining will not be allowed to undermine our laws and damage our natural resources. We will act on credible information and pursue those who violate the law,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said. Authorities were preparing a complaint for alleged violation of the Revised Forestry Code against the three suspects.