PUERTO GALERA, ORIENTAL MINDORO – Three suspects were arrested on Thursday in an anti-illegal mining operation conducted by the Puerto Galera Municipal Police Station, led by Acting Chief of Police Police Major Ethell Mar M. Suetos, in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division of the Police Regional Office MIMAROPA, Regional Intelligence Unit, and Oriental Mindoro Provincial Intelligence Unit.

The suspects, identified as a 43-year-old farmer, a 42-year-old construction worker, and a minor, all residents of Barangay Dulangan, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, were caught in the act of leaving an illegal mining site in Barangay Tabinay, Puerto Galera, with various mining equipment.

Confiscated from the suspects were mining tools, including a metal screen, plastic strainer, wooden panning pan, blower, extension wire, two generators, jackhammer, and sacks and plastic containers filled with rocks and sand.

The suspects were apprehended while attempting to leave the illegal mining site with the equipment, prompting the operatives to make the arrest.

Two of the suspects are currently in custody, while the minor has been turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Puerto Galera, with the assistance of the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) of the police station.

The suspects will face charges for violating Republic Act 7942, also known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

The operation was recorded using the police station’s Alternative Recording Device, in compliance with the law.

“We will not tolerate such illegal activities,” Police Major Suetos said. “We assure the public of our aggressive enforcement of the law in Puerto Galera.”