POLICE in Northern Mindanao pledged Monday to target larger networks behind illegal mining after a weekend raid in Misamis Oriental netted PHP30.8 million worth of equipment and 24 suspects, including two Chinese nationals. Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano, Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-19) director, said Sunday’s operation in Opol municipality indicated large-scale operators were involved. ”There are still larger individuals and networks behind these illegal mining activities, and we will pursue them through sustained intelligence gathering and strengthened inter-agency operations,” Abrahano said. The joint operation with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and other agencies arrested 24 people, including two Chinese nationals, in Barangay Tingalan. PAOCC Undersecretary Benjamin Acorda Jr., a former PRO-10 director, said the raid was part of a government drive against economic sabotage, citing illegal mining as a top concern. Confiscated equipment and ores will be turned over to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. The Bureau of Immigration will check the status of the foreign nationals. (PNA)
2 Chinese, 22 others nabbed in illegal mining raid in Misamis Oriental
