Several tools allegedly used for a small-scale mining in Claveria town, Cagayan province were seized from 10 people who were also arrested by police for the illegal activity. (Photo courtesy of PNP-Claveria)
TUGUEGARAO CITY-Ten people, including a minor, were arrested after they dug stones along the shoreline of Claveria, Cagayan on Monday, May 17, police said.
Brig. Gen. Crizaldo Nieves, Cagayan Valley regional police director, identified them as Edgene Caligan, Reylie Acob, Noel Inocencio, Joel Caligan Jr., Rhayan Avanzado, Oscar Avanzado, Noel Avanzado, Clarence Magayano Sr., Keith Reeve Julaquit and alias Dodong (a minor).
Police said village officials tipped them off about the small-scale mining in Barangay D’Leano.
Seized from the suspects were a water pump set, two steel mallets, a handheld radio, two ordinary blasting caps, a time fuse, 50-gram ammonium fuel oil, a liter of gasoline and four steel chisels.
The suspects were charged with violation of the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991 (Republic Act 7076) while the minor was endorsed to the local social welfare and development officer in Claveria.