By Sonya Delgado
Three Chinese nationals and a Filipino backhoe operator were arrested for engaging in illegal mining operations in Purok 2, Barangay Mambing, New Corella, Davao del Norte on January 22, 2025.
In a statement, the Police Regional Office XI said the apprehended foreign nationals failed to present the required permits and legal documents to justify their operations, resulting in their immediate arrest.
Authorities confiscated various pieces of heavy equipment used in the illegal activities, including 3 backhoe units, 4 water pumps, and 2 sets of fabricated screeners.
The arrested individuals are now in the custody of the New Corella Municipal Police Station for proper disposition, while the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region XI and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are preparing to file the appropriate charges against them.
This operation was a collaborative effort of PRO 11 under the New Corella Municipal Police Station, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region XI, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO-Davao del Norte), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources/City Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR/CENRO), and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
It is in line with the PNP’s directive to curb illegal mining in the country.