The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group raids an allegedly unauthorized mining operation in Bacong town, Negros Oriental province on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. (Photo from the CIDG)
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) raided an allegedly unauthorized mining operation in Negros Oriental province, netting five individuals.
According to the police report made public on Saturday, the police operation took place on Feb. 21 at Barangay Isugan in Bacong town from 4:40 p.m. to 11:20 p.m.
The CIDG said it found that the operation lacked permits from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and other proper authorities, a violation of the Philippine Mining Act.
Police confiscated three dump trucks containing one cubic meter of sand minerals; three cubic meters of boulder minerals; and mining equipment, all valued at P1.3 million.
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The suspects were identified only as 鈥淪egundino,鈥� 鈥淓lizar,鈥� 鈥淎rmando,鈥� 鈥淩omel,鈥� and 鈥淩eymart,鈥� all residents of Negros Oriental province.
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鈥淭he illegal extraction of mineral resources and illegal quarrying is a serious crime that depletes聽 and endangers our environment and natural resources,鈥� the CIDG said in a statement.