By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Authorities have seized four hydraulic excavators worth an estimated P28 million that were allegedly being used for illegal mining operations in Cagayan de Oro City, police said Monday.
The heavy equipment was discovered at dawn in Sitio Sendong, Barangay Tumpagon, during a joint operation involving police, environmental authorities and local government officials.
Personnel from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-Northern Mindanao and village officials had observed indications of recent mining activity in the area, including fresh excavation marks and shallow pits.
Police from Cagayan de Oro City Police Station 8 also found stockpiles of extracted mineralized soil and sand that allegedly contained gold deposits and other mineral ores.
Authorities said personnel at the site were unable to present the required permits when asked to produce documentation authorizing the operation and use of the equipment.
The four excavators were subsequently seized as authorities intensified their crackdown on suspected unauthorized mining activities in the city.
Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano, director of the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao, stressed that sustained enforcement would require cooperation from communities and local authorities.
“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,” Abrahano said.
The operation underscores the continuing joint effort of law enforcement and environmental agencies to curb mining activities allegedly being conducted without the necessary government permits.
Authorities said those found responsible would be dealt with in accordance with existing laws and due process.
IA/XF
