Balamban: The Police Regional Office (PRO) 10 (Northern Mindanao) announced on Thursday that it confiscated PHP512.7 million worth of contraband in 2025, as it plans to ramp up efforts against illegal mining this year.

According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano, the PRO-10 director, reported that from January to December 2025, a total of 8,923 arrests were made, mostly during anti-illegal drug missions, seizing PHP269.7 million worth of drugs.

"This one-year operational accomplishment stands as proof of the dedication, discipline, and sacrifice of PRO-10 personnel, whose commitment to duty remains firm in the face of evolving security challenges," he said.

Other police operations include tackling smuggling, loose firearms selling and illegal logging activities, among others, with contraband amounting to some PHP169.9 million.

Meanwhile, in its commitment to enforcing anti-illegal mining laws, PRO-10 collaborated with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau -10 for the Deputation Training for Deputized Mining Enforcement Officers.

Eighty-eight police officers, including five commissioned officers and 83 non-commissioned officers from various city and provincial police offices throughout Northern Mindanao, participated in a Thursday training session.

The activity aimed to improve the police participants' knowledge and readiness to enforce Philippine mining laws and support MGB-10's fight against illegal mining.

In 2025, PRO-10 conducted 112 operations, resulting in the arrest of 114 individuals and the confiscation of PHP73.1 million worth of illegal mining paraphernalia.