Manila: Police in Surigao del Norte arrested four men for alleged illegal mining operations in Placer town, seizing equipment worth more than PHP135,000, authorities said Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Col. Warren Dablo, director of the Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office (SDNPPO), identified the suspects as a 28-year-old man from Bacolod, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur; a 34-year-old man from Sampaguita, Veruela, Agusan del Sur; and two residents of Placer town - a 28-year-old married man from Barangay Sta. Cruz and a 31-year-old man from Barangay Ellaperal. Operatives from the SDNPPO Intelligence Unit and Mobile Force carried out the arrest by around 6 p.m. Monday in Purok 7, Sitio Layab, Barangay Ellaperal, Placer.
Police confiscated assorted tools and equipment valued at PHP135,245 during the operation. "These individuals were found to be extracting minerals and disposing of them without the necessary mining agreements, leases, permits, or licenses," Dablo stated.
The suspects face charges for violating Section 103 of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, which penalizes the theft of minerals, ores, or their products from mines, mills, or processing plants. "The battle against illegal and irresponsible mining is a duty we all share. We are resolute in our stance against any activities that threaten our communities, risk environmental harm, and could lead to long-term damage to the protected ecosystems within Surigao del Norte," Dablo emphasized.
The suspects and seized equipment remain in police custody.
