Raid on Illegal Gold Mining Site in Surigao — 18 Arrested,…

Raid on Illegal Gold Mining Site in Surigao — 18 Arrested, Including 8 Chinese Nationals

📌 On October 14 (Wednesday), a joint task force of police, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and others raided an illegal gold mining site in Mabini, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, Mindanao, and arrested 18 people, including 8 Chinese nationals and 10 Filipinos. Equipment worth about 153 million pesos, including dump trucks and excavators, was seized.

■ Background
· The operation was carried out together by the Caraga Regional Police Office (PRO-13), the DENR, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (including the Air Force).
· The 8 arrested Chinese nationals come from Hunan (5), Gansu (2), and Guangzhou (1), and are aged 33 to 58. The 10 Filipinos come from several areas, including Surigao City, Davao City, and Zamboanga City.
· Seized items include 8 dump trucks, 5 payloaders, 16 excavators, 8 generators, 4 modified ore-processing machines, 1 Toyota Hilux pickup, 1 shotgun with 12 rounds of ammunition, and 2 modified air guns. The DENR valued the seized items at 153.34 million pesos.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· The 18 people are being held at the Surigao City Police Station. According to GMA News, an inquest proceeding is underway at the Surigao City Prosecutor's Office on charges of illegal exploration and mineral theft under the Mining Act (RA 7942).
· The MGB Regional Office 13 will carry out administrative forfeiture proceedings for the seized equipment.
· Regional Police Director Rolindo Suguilon said all legal measures would be taken against those responsible, and the DENR explained that this crackdown is part of efforts against illegal gold mining across Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Agusan del Sur.

■ Notes for Residents and Travelers
· Foreigners can also be arrested and prosecuted for involvement in unlicensed mineral exploration or mining sites in the Philippines.
· If you receive an offer to invest in or work for a mining or heavy equipment business, first check whether it has a permit from the MGB.

■ Sources
PNA (10/15), Daily Tribune (10/16), GMA News (10/17) (applicable charges confirmed in one source only)