Misamis oriental: Personnel of Misamis Oriental's provincial government and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, operating under Task Force Kalikasan, will continue their operations against illegal mining activities in the province and are investigating steel plants suspected of handling radioactive materials, an official stated.

According to Philippines News Agency, provincial information officer Joanne Tabique mentioned in an interview on Wednesday that no equipment has been recovered following the closure of illegal mining sites in Barangay Limonda in Opol town, which took place on Tuesday. "The task force will coordinate with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group so they can enter the tunnels whose entrances have been locked," she said.

Tabique further explained that during the joint operation, enforcers observed 89 tunnel portals containing an 18-ball mill mini plant, generator sets, blower pumps, and 50 sacks of alleged mineral ores. She also noted that Task Force Kalikasan might apply for a search warrant to confiscate the machinery and other equipment.

In a related development, authorities have inspected the operations of Kiem Hing Steel Co., located in Sitio Kirahon, Barangay San Martin, Villanueva town, to evaluate the company's operational status and production capacity. Initial reports indicated that the company began operations in 2019 and employs approximately 400 workers, including 57 Chinese nationals and local employees.

The company utilizes materials such as manganese and limestone to manufacture angle bars and other steel products. The plant's production capacity is recorded at about 250 metric tons per day, contingent on operational conditions and the availability of raw materials.

Special Assistant to the Municipal Mayor Israel Permi noted that the inspection was conducted amid concerns raised by a series of inspections in various plants across the Philippines. Governor Juliette Uy has consistently supported the activities and initiatives of every local government unit aimed at enhancing public safety, promoting good governance, and safeguarding residents' livelihoods.