29/06/2026
PNP, DENR DISRUPT ILLEGAL MINING OPERATION; ₱7.1-M WORTH OF EQUIPMENT, ORES SEIZED
The Philippine National Police (PNP) successfully stopped an illegal mining operation in Barobo, Surigao del Sur on June 28, resulting in the arrest of three male suspects and the confiscation of mining equipment and mineral ores valued at approximately ₱7,109,900.00.
The operation was conducted by personnel of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13, together with the Barobo Municipal Police Station and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The suspects were allegedly caught extracting mineral resources without the necessary permit, in violation of Republic Act No. 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
The accomplishment highlights the PNP's continued coordination with partner government agencies under its Focused Agenda, particularly in strengthening police operations against environmental law violations. It also supports the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to safeguard the country's natural resources through effective law enforcement.
PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., lauded the operating personnel for their swift and coordinated action.
"Hindi lang ito tungkol sa pagpapatupad ng batas. Responsibilidad din nating pangalagaan ang ating kalikasan para sa kapakinabangan ng mga susunod na henerasyon. I commend our operating teams for carrying out this operation professionally and in close coordination with our partner agencies," said PGen Nartatez.
He also encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report illegal activities affecting the environment.
"Malaki ang maitutulong ng pakikiisa ng ating mga kababayan. Kapag nagtutulungan tayo, mas napoprotektahan natin ang ating likas na yaman at ang ating mga komunidad," he added.
The PNP remains steadfast in enforcing environmental laws and protecting communities under Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)