Some 17 suspects were arrested during an anti-illegal mining operation in Barangay Luklukan Sur, Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte, on 1 July 2026.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the operation was conducted in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) as part of the government's intensified campaign against illegal mining.

The intelligence-driven operation, led by the NBI with support from the Jose Panganiban Municipal Police Station, resulted in the disruption of an alleged illegal mining site where the suspects were reportedly operating without the permits required under existing mining laws.

Authorities also recovered heavy equipment, ore-processing facilities, alleged gold-bearing materials, mercury, and improvised explosive materials, including blasting components, believed to have been used in the unlawful operation.

The arrested individuals are currently under police custody pending the filing of appropriate charges for alleged violations of environmental and other applicable laws.

The recovered explosives and related evidence were turned over to the NBI, while the remaining seized equipment was placed under the custody of local authorities pending proper legal disposition.

The operation reflects the strengthened inter-agency collaboration being pursued under the PNP's Focused Agenda on Enhanced Managing Police Operations, reinforcing the government's continuing campaign to protect the country's natural resources, uphold environmental laws, and ensure public safety in support of the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.