By Alexander Lopez

ILLEGAL MINING RAIDS. A series of photos shows the anti-illegal mining operations and some of the suspects arrested by the Police Regional Office-13 and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Caraga Region in January and February, as posted on Facebook on Feb. 27, 2026. A total of 61 suspects, including two Chinese nationals, were arrested. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13)

BUTUAN CITY – Sixty-one suspects, including two Chinese nationals, were arrested during intensified anti-illegal mining operations in the Caraga Region in January and February.

The series of operations was conducted by the Police Regional Office-13 (PRO-13) in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-13).

“This is part of the sustained campaign by PRO-13 and the DENR to safeguard the environment and preserve the natural resources in the region,” Maj. Jennifer Omiter, PRO-13 chief information officer, said in an interview on Monday.

Charges have been filed for violation of Republic Act No. 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act.

Data provided by PRO-13 on Monday showed that in the last two months, three anti-illegal mining operations in Surigao del Sur resulted in the arrest of seven suspects, including two foreign nationals, while 10 suspects were nabbed in two raids in Agusan del Norte.

During the same period, two operations in Surigao del Norte resulted in the arrest of 28 suspects, while another in Agusan del Sur led to the arrest of 16 suspects.

“The protection of our environment is a shared responsibility. Illegal mining threatens not only our natural resources but also the safety and livelihood of our communities,” PRO-13 Director Brig. Gen. Marcial Mariano Magistrado IV said in a previous statement.

“We call on all stakeholders to work with us in preserving Caraga’s rich natural heritage for the benefit of present and future generations,” he added. (PNA)