Misamis oriental: Police in Northern Mindanao pledged Monday to target larger networks behind illegal mining after a weekend raid in Misamis Oriental netted PHP30.8 million worth of equipment and 24 suspects, including two Chinese nationals. Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano, Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-19) director, said Sunday's operation in Opol municipality indicated large-scale operators were involved.

According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Abrahano emphasized that there are larger individuals and networks behind these illegal mining activities, and authorities will pursue them through sustained intelligence gathering and strengthened inter-agency operations. The joint operation, conducted with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and other agencies, led to the arrest of 24 people, including the two Chinese nationals, in Barangay Tingalan.

PAOCC Undersecretary Benjamin Acorda Jr., a former PRO-10 director, stated that the raid was part of a government drive against economic sabotage, with illegal mining identified as a top concern. The confiscated equipment and ores from the operation will be turned over to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. Additionally, the Bureau of Immigration will assess the status of the foreign nationals involved.