BUTUAN CITY (July 20) — The miners were gone—but their machines were left behind.
Police and environmental authorities seized nearly P9.57 million worth of heavy equipment and mining tools from an alleged illegal mining site in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, in a late-night crackdown Thursday, July 16.
The haul included two backhoes, three gasoline-powered water pump engines, a sluice box, a battery and other equipment believed to have been used in unauthorized mining activities.
But when authorities arrived, no one was there.
The joint operation was carried out by police units in Caraga, together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Bayugan, and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office 13.
With no suspects found at the site, authorities could not immediately file charges against any individual. The confiscated equipment was turned over to the concerned government offices for documentation and proper disposition.
The operation is part of the Philippine National Police’s intensified campaign against environmental crimes, particularly illegal mining activities that authorities say can damage forests, waterways and other natural resources while putting nearby communities at risk.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operating teams and called for stronger cooperation among law enforcement and environmental agencies.
“Ang kalikasan ay yaman ng bawat Pilipino. Hindi tayo titigil sa pagpapatupad ng batas laban sa mga gawaing sumisira sa ating likas na yaman,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said the crackdown will continue, with police and partner agencies working to identify and hold violators accountable.
Residents were also urged to report suspected illegal mining and other environmental offenses—reminding communities that protecting Agusan del Sur’s forests, rivers and natural resources is not only the government’s job, but everyone’s responsibility.
