By Nef Luczon

MINE CLOSURE. A cease-and-desist order is placed at one of the mining sites in Barangay Limonda, Opol town, Misamis Oriental, on Tuesday (Aug. 25, 2026). This is the second closure following reports that illegal mining activities resumed despite warnings from authorities. (Photo courtesy of MisOr PIO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The provincial government of Misamis Oriental, together with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and law enforcement agencies under Task Force Kalikasan, closed illegal mining sites in the Municipality of Opol on Tuesday.

Rogelio Labor, the task force’s ground commander and a retired Army major, served the cease-and-desist order on the ground and led the composite team of police, Army, and provincial officials.

The task force closed off the mining sites in Barangay Limonda, where personnel also seized some equipment and extracted ores from makeshift shanties owned by local miners.

In an interview, Geran Flores, head of the Provincial Local Environment and Natural Resources Office, said the area had been declared closed early this year, but they are still receiving reports that some have resumed operating.

“This is to properly document the present condition and ensure appropriate action and enforcement,” he said.

Since Governor Juliette Uy took office in 2025, she has intensified the crackdown on illegal mining activities and instead called for the proper registration of such activities under the “Minahan ng Bayan” program. (PNA)