4 nabbed for illegal small-scale mining in Catanduanes
Four individuals were arrested on Wednesday afternoon for allegedly engaging in illegal small-scale mining in Baras town, Catanduanes, police said Thursday, August 7, 2025. INQUIRER FILES
LEGAZPI CITY — Four individuals were arrested on Wednesday afternoon for allegedly engaging in illegal small-scale mining in Baras town, Catanduanes, police said on Thursday.
The four individuals were allegedly violating Republic Act No. 7076, also known as the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991.
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The suspects Leonito Beo Mutya, 55; Sharon Reyes Mutya, 44; Jesus Vargas Mutya, 59; and Henidina Tolentino Mutya, 55, are all residents of Barangay Dugui Too.
“They were caught in the act of conducting illegal small-scale mining in Sitio Dalagangan, Barangay Agban, Baras, at around 5 p.m. When interrogated, they failed to present any permit or legal authority to mine in the area,” Police Lieutenant Colonel Maria Luisa Calubaquib told the Inquirer in a private message.
She said charges for violating RA 7076 are being prepared against the suspects, who remain in police custody./coa
