Nine people, including a Chinese national, were arrested and about P17.5 million worth of mining equipment was seized during a law enforcement operation in Barangay Bacuyangan, Hinoba-an on 26 February.

The operation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Negros Occidental Provincial Field Unit in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in the Negros Island Region and local police units.

Authorities confiscated two backhoes, three 10-wheeler dump trucks, a vibrating screen machine, two boxes containing bottles of mercury, and an automatic generator set control panel, with a total estimated value of P17.5 million.

The operation stemmed from a report by the MGB-Negros Island Region on alleged illegal mining activities in the area.

Arrested were nine male suspects identified only by their aliases: “Xiong,” a Chinese national, and “Bert,” “Joey,” “Chris,” “Rey,” “Leo,” “Randy,” “Dante” and “Egay.” They were allegedly caught extracting mineral resources without the required mining rights, permits, or agreements from the MGB and other authorities.

The CIDG stressed that all mineral resources within Philippine territory and its exclusive economic zone are owned by the State. It added that illegal extraction and quarrying deplete natural resources and pose serious environmental risks.

Charges for violations of Section 102 (Illegal Exploration) and Section 103 (Theft of Minerals) of Republic Act 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, in relation to Section 3(c) of Republic Act 7076, or the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991, will be filed before the National Prosecution Service.

The CIDG also commended its regional and provincial units, along with the MGB, for the successful operation, saying it underscores the agency’s commitment to protecting the environment and the country’s natural resources.

Authorities urged the public to report illegal mining, quarrying, logging, and other environmental violations in their communities.