Photo courtesy of PNP/Facebook.
Fifteen individuals were arrested after authorities dismantled an alleged illegal small-scale mining operation in Barangay Sta. Barbara, Rapu-Rapu, Albay, police said Monday.
The enforcement action was carried out by the Philippine National Police through Police Regional Office 5 in coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, and the Rapu-Rapu local government unit.
Police said the operation was based on intelligence reports on ongoing unlawful mining activities in the area.
Authorities confiscated several pieces of equipment believed to be used in the operation, including a water pump, a rod mill, a generator, sacks of tailings, a pail of ore concentrate, and assorted mining and panning tools with an estimated value of ₱103,500.
Following the inspection, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau ordered the closure of the site for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and Republic Act No. 7076 or the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991.
Police chief Jose Melencio Nartatez said authorities will continue to enforce environmental laws and hold violators accountable through coordinated operations with partner agencies.
Officials noted that illegal mining poses risks such as environmental degradation, soil erosion, river siltation, and possible hazards to nearby communities.
The arrested individuals are now under the custody of the Rapu-Rapu Municipal Police Station and are expected to face charges related to illegal mining and other applicable offenses.