Business · Philippines Bureau
Philippines seizes P45M in equipment from illegal mining operation
Law enforcement authorities in Cagayan de Oro City raided a suspected illegal mining operation disguised as a quarry, confiscating heavy machinery valued at approximately P45 million. Six workers were arrested during the pre-dawn operation on Friday.
LSN Philippines ·
Police and personnel from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau conducted a coordinated raid on the illegal mining site located in Sitio Pin-as, Barangay Tuburan, in the hinterland areas of Cagayan de Oro City. The operation commenced at 4 a.m. on November 6, targeting what authorities described as a Chinese-backed mining venture operating under the guise of a legitimate quarrying business.
The raiding team seized heavy machinery and equipment valued at P45 million during the enforcement action. Investigators said the operation had been extracting minerals illegally from the site while concealing its true nature as a mining venture rather than a lawful quarry.
Six workers employed at the site were apprehended during the raid. Authorities are conducting further investigation into the operation's financing, management structure, and extent of illegal extraction activities. The case has been turned over to appropriate prosecution authorities for charges related to illegal mining and environmental violations.