10 nabbed in Butuan illegal mining raid
BUTUAN CITY – The Butuan City Mobile Force Company (BCMFC) arrested 10 individuals allegedly involved in illegal mining during a raid in Barangay Bilay here on Monday afternoon.
BCMFC chief Lt. Col. Randie Azote said in an interview on Tuesday that the 10 suspects were caught in the act of extracting gold ores and other minerals.
Reports from civilians helped authorities locate the illegal mining activities of the suspects, who are now facing charges for violating Section 8 of Republic Act No. 7076, also known as the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act, Azote said.
READ: 4 illegal miners nabbed in Butuan City
The suspects will also be charged for violating the provisions of Administrative Order No. 2022-03 of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Butuan City Ordinance No. 7244-2025.
The raiding officers, with the support of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office and other units of the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO), also confiscated mining paraphernalia, including basins, dishpans, sluice boxes, and motorcycles.
“We also recognize the full support of the barangay officials during the operations, especially in the inventory of the confiscated mining paraphernalia,” Azote said.
The arrested suspects are now under the custody of the BCPO while charges are being processed for filing in court. (PNA)/coa
