12-07-2025
4 Chinese, 9 Filipinos nabbed for alleged illegal mining
Four Chinese nationals and nine Filipinos were arrested on Thursday, July 10, 2025 for alleged anti-illegal mining operations in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.
According to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Caraga (CIDG-13), the suspects were arrested for allegedly extracting gold and other minerals without permit from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), which violated the Philippine Mining Act (Republic Act 7942).
CIDG said the four foreigners were arrested in site 1 and site 3 while the nine Filipinos were arrested in site 2.
Seized from sites 1 and 3 were 44 sacks of fine sand with gold traces; five sluice boxes, six generators, 6 excavators, sluice matting, hoses, and pumps; a pickup truck; and fuel containers, fabricated metal basins, among others.
Confiscated from site 2 were eight sacks of fine sand with gold; sluice machines, matting, electric and hydraulic pumps, solar lights, and excavators; and gallons of fuel and related tools used for gold processing.
All the items seized have an estimated value of nearly P8 million.
'This accomplishment affirms CIDG's unwavering commitment under OPLAN KALIKASAN to protect our environment, uphold the law, and put an end to illegal mining operations in the Caraga Region,' CIDG-13 said.
