Alleged illegal copper ores worth P600,000 seized in Agusan Norte

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Authorities seized nearly 2,000 sacks of alleged illegally mined copper ores worth P600,000 in Tubay, Agusan del Norte, on Monday, police said.

Brig. Gen. Marcial Mariano Magistrado IV, Police Regional Office-Region 13 (PRO-13) director, said the joint anti-illegal mining operation was conducted following information provided by concerned individuals.

According to a police report, local authorities received information about numerous sacks of copper minerals hidden inside a “banlag,” or makeshift storage shed, located in Purok 7, Barangay Santa Ana in Tubay town.

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Acting swiftly on the information, personnel of the Tubay Municipal Police Station and the 2nd Agusan del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company coordinated with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-Tubay, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office -Tubay, and the Environment and Natural Resources Division of Agusan del Norte.

The agencies subsequently conducted the joint operation as part of the government’s intensified campaign against illegal mining, environmental destruction, and the unlawful exploitation of the country’s natural resources.

Magistrado commended the police units and the partner agencies for the successful operation.

He said that PRO-13 “remains steadfast in intensifying its operations against illegal mining and all forms of environmental crime.”

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“We will continue to work closely with our partner agencies and the community to ensure that those who exploit our natural resources in violation of the law are held accountable. Together, we will protect our environment and uphold the rule of law for the benefit of present and future generations,” he said.

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Initial investigation indicated that the recovered minerals may have been extracted, transported, or possessed illegally, a violation of Section 103 of Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

The recovered copper minerals were turned over to CENRO-Tubay for proper custody and confiscation proceedings. The items will later be endorsed to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Surigao City for further examination, evaluation, and appropriate action.

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Authorities launched a thorough investigation to identify the owner and other individuals behind the recovered minerals. /coa