Manila: The Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao has foiled another alleged illegal mining activity, this time in the province of Lanao del Norte, and seized PHP2.6 million worth of mineral ores.
According to Philippines News Agency, a report from PRO-10 field units revealed that a truck from Zamboanga del Sur was bound for this city but was stopped at a checkpoint in Barangay Taguitic, in the municipality of Kapatagan. Police questioned the driver, who goes by the alias "Kuya Boy," 31, and resident of Tangub City in Misamis Occidental, after police found at least 530 sacks of mineral ores allegedly extracted without any permits being shown to the authorities.
The driver also claimed he was merely hired and instructed to pick up the truck in Zamboanga del Sur and transport it to this city. However, police are determined to file cases for violations of Republic Act 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
PRO-10 director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said in a statement that the campaign against illegal mining not only focuses on activities within the region but also on those found in transit entering Northern Mindanao. "This operation proves that PRO-10, together with our partner agencies, is serious in enforcing our environmental laws," he said.
Currently, PRO-10 has institutionalized its collaborative defense by deputizing at least 89 personnel, legally empowering them to execute warrantless arrests, searches, and direct equipment seizures under RA 7942. The deputation training, conducted in collaboration with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, aimed to improve police officers' knowledge and readiness to enforce Philippine mining laws.
PRO-10 has conducted numerous anti-illegal mining operations in recent months. In May, authorities confiscated more than PHP5.3 million worth of mineral ores from three trucks in Kapatagan after drivers failed to present legal transport documents. In July, another operation in Linamon, Lanao del Norte, resulted in the seizure of PHP1.7 million worth of alleged mineral ores. PRO-10 also arrested 24 individuals, including two Chinese nationals, and seized PHP30.8 million worth of mining equipment in Opol, Misamis Oriental, in January.
