Police arrested 24 people, including two Chinese nationals, and seized more than P30.8 million in equipment and mineral ores during a raid on an illegal mining site in Misamis Oriental, authorities said Monday.

The operation targeted a site in Sitio Bugwak, Barangay Tingalan, a remote area with limited telecommunication signals.

Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the raid was a major strike against violators of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

“This accomplishment reflects our commitment not only to enforce the law but also to advocate for environmental stewardship,” Nartatez said. “We will not allow anyone to destroy the nation’s wealth.”

The 2nd Misamis Oriental Provincial Mobile Force Company led the operation, supported by regional intelligence units and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission.

Acting on a confidential tip, officers apprehended a group of operators, laborers, welders, and supervisors while they were actively extracting minerals without legal permits.

Police identified two Chinese nationals among those overseeing the site.

Authorities confiscated heavy equipment, including two backhoes, two dump trucks, two generators, six water pumps, and two trommels. They also seized 30 sacks of mineral ores.

The suspects were provided medical evaluations and informed of their rights before being processed, according to police. The seized minerals and equipment will be turned over to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Cagayan de Oro City.