Agusan del sur:<Text>

Two Chinese nationals and three local residents were apprehended for illegal mining activities in Barangay Wasian, Rosario, Agusan del Sur. The Police Regional Office 13 (Caraga) announced the arrests following a Tuesday operation.

According to Philippines News Agency, the operation, which received support from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Bunawan, resulted in the confiscation of two excavators, a generator set, a water pump, 12 artificial turf mats, and two wooden pans with a collective value of PHP6.1 million.

The Police Regional Office 13 identified the detained individuals by aliases, including Chinese nationals Chen, 50, and Ty, 55, both from Hubei province, China. The other suspects named were Boy, 36, from Esperanza, Agusan del Sur; Jean, 36, from Marilog District, Davao City; and Jenny, 41, from Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.

Brig. Gen. Marcial Mariano Magistrado IV, the director o f PRO-13, stated that charges have been filed against the suspects for violations of Sections 102 and 103 of Republic Act 7429, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, at the Provincial Prosecutor's Office in Prosperidad.

Magistrado emphasized the commitment of the Philippine National Police in Caraga and its partner agencies to intensify the campaign against illegal mining and other environmentally harmful activities. He assured the public of continued efforts to enforce the law and protect the environment, urging residents to report any information related to illegal mining and other unlawful activities.