Manila: Joint police and environmental officers have seized PHP28 million worth of heavy equipment allegedly used in illegal mining activities here on Monday dawn.

According to Philippines News Agency, four hydraulic excavators were found in Sitio Sendong, Barangay Tumpagon. When personnel were asked for other permits, they could not produce any documents. The team from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-Northern Mindanao and village officials observed recent mining activities, including fresh excavation marks and shallow pits.

Cagayan de Oro City Police Station 8 officers discovered stockpiles of extracted mineralized soil and sand, allegedly containing gold deposits and other mineral ores.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano, director of the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao, said the multi-agency collaboration will not succeed without community support. "We will continue to work closely with the MGB and our local government partners to address these activities and ensure that appropriate action is taken against those found responsible, consistent with due process and the law," he stated.