The Police Regional Office 10 intensifies its investigation after arresting two Chinese nationals who claim they hold a quarry permit in Cagayan de Oro, despite being caught conducting illegal mining operations in the mountains of Opol, Misamis Oriental last week.
PRO 10 spokesperson Police Major Joann Navarro states that authorities will verify the authenticity of the permit before filing additional charges.
Navarro underscores the importance of coordinating with the local government unit of Cagayan de Oro to determine whether the suspects are genuinely connected to a legitimate quarry operation.
She explains that investigators aim to establish if the permit was misused or fraudulently obtained.
Police recover more than ₱30 million worth of assets from the arrested Chinese nationals and 22 Filipino workers. The seized items include heavy equipment, minerals, and other resources tied to the illegal mining activity.
Authorities stress that the arrests represent only a fraction of a larger syndicate operating in Northern Mindanao.
PRO 10 regional director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano reiterates that the police remain committed to unmasking the masterminds behind the illegal mining network.
He emphasizes that the crackdown aligns with President Bongbong Marcos’ directive for the PNP to address environmental crimes and dismantle organized criminal operations.
