Authorities have confiscated P9.5-million worth of equipment during a law enforcement operation at Bedrock, Brgy. Mabini in Surigao City on 23 July 2026.

According to the CIDG, the CIDG Surigao del Norte Provincial Field Unit, together with representatives from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Office XIII, and in coordination with the Surigao City Police Station, conducted the said operation.

The operation resulted in the arrest of four individuals, and the confiscation of two units of backhoe, eight sacks of gold ore (amount still undermined), sluice matting, metal hose/slurry pipe, water pump, and other equipment used in the alleged illegal mining operation- with estimated value of P9,500,000.00.

A report that reached PMGEN Robert AA Morico II, the Director of CIDG, stated that the arrested four suspects- all male, of legal age, were caught while engaging in mining activities in the area without the necessary mining permits issued by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); the suspects also failed to present any pertinent documents, permit, or authority to process the said gold mineral ore- rendering their mining and ore-processing operations illegal.

The Director of CIDG emphasized that pursuant to Republic Act No. 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995) all mineral resources in public and private lands within the territory and exclusive economic zone of the Republic of the Philippines are owned by the State. He added that the State promotes their rational exploration, development, utilization and conservation through the combined efforts of government and the private sector in order to enhance national growth in a way that effectively safeguards the environment and protects the rights of affected communities.

Illegal mining operations completely bypass environmental regulations and rehabilitation plans. These activities will cause severe, long-term destruction to terrestrial, aquatic, and human ecosystems, and will trigger a chain reaction of ecological disasters.

The CIDG leadership lauds PLTCOL Butch Ian C Miñoza, the Regional Chief of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 13, and the CIDG Surigao del Norte Provincial Field Unit led by PLTCOL Darwin B Dura for busting the illegal mining operation in the area. The operations underscores the CIDG’s resolve in fighting all forms of destruction of environment and natural resources, through OPLAN KALIKASAN.