Agusan del sur: Nineteen individuals were arrested on Monday in Agusan del Sur for violations of Republic Act 7942, also known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. The suspects, who are all residents of Davao de Oro province, were caught transporting 76 sacks of illegally mined mineral ores using three separate vehicles.

According to Philippines News Agency, the suspects were intercepted by the personnel of the Second Agusan del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company and the Bunawan Police Station at a checkpoint in Barangay Bunawan Brooks in Bunawan town. Maj. Jennifer Omiter, chief of the information office of the Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13), stated in an interview on Tuesday that the individuals failed to present legal documents allowing them to transport the mineral ores.

The confiscated ores have been turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for verification and assessment. The arrested individuals are currently in custody at the local police station, and charges for violating the mining code are expected to be filed soon.

Brig. Gen. Marcial Mariano Magistrado IV, director of PRO-13, commended the personnel for the successful arrest of the suspects. He noted that the total amount and value of the seized ore minerals have yet to be determined, as investigators are coordinating with the appropriate government agency for assessment.