BUNAWAN, Agusan del Sur – A major crackdown on illegal mining activities here resulted in the arrest of 13 individuals, including four Chinese nationals, on Thursday, July 10.

The arrests were made as part of Oplan Kalikasan, a high-priority inter-agency operation to dismantle illegal gold mining operations in the region.

The arrests occurred at Purok 12, Bulong-Bulongan, Barangay Bunawan Brook, at around 3 p.m. on Thursday.

The operation was carried out through collaboration between several agencies, including the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 13, 14th Special Action Company of the Philipppine National Police Special Action Force, Mines and Geoscience Bureau 13, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office-Bunawan, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Enforcement Division, and Bunawan municipal police station.

The authorities raided two illegal mining sites.

The four Chinese nationals were identified only as “Big Li,” 58; “Hua,” 42; “Vee,” 43; and “Ting,” 58.

The group was caught extracting gold and minerals without the necessary permits, violating the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

During the raid, significant amounts of illegal mining equipment were confiscated, including excavators, sluice boxes, and other materials, estimated to be valued at close to P8 million.

Sacks of sand with traces of gold were also confiscated.

The confiscated items were turned over to the CIDG Agusan del Sur provincial field unit.

Authorities also ensured transparency during the operation, with barangay officials present to witness the inventory of seized goods.

The operation, according to the CIDG, highlights the continued efforts of Oplan Kalikasan in combatting illegal mining and environmental destruction in the Caraga region.

The same site was also raided by authorities in December last year. /das