Joint Operation Nets Nine Suspects in Illegal Mining Crackdown in Negros Occidental
In a significant enforcement action, nine individuals were apprehended during a coordinated raid under Oplan Kalikasan in Zone 10, Barangay Bacuyangan, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, on February 26, 2026. The operation was spearheaded by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of Negros Occidental, working in tandem with multiple partner agencies to combat unauthorized mining activities.
Governor Lacson Commends Inter-Agency Collaboration
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson issued a statement lauding the efforts of the CIDG and all involved agencies. He highlighted the critical role of inter-agency cooperation, particularly with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and other law enforcement units, in swiftly addressing reports of illegal mining.
"We recognize the importance of inter-agency collaboration in promptly acting on reports of unauthorized mining activities. Effective environmental governance requires decisive enforcement anchored on the rule of law," Lacson emphasized.
The governor reiterated the province's unwavering commitment to enforcing environmental laws and upholding regulatory processes without exception. "A mining permit is a privilege granted by the State, it is not a right. Responsible mining can support development, but illegal or abusive practices weaken public trust, harm ecosystems, and compromise sustainable progress," he added.
Details of the Arrest and Seized Items
The suspects were caught in flagrante delicto, extracting mineral resources without lawful authority. Police identified them using aliases: Berto, 53; Jo, 27; Chris, 23; Dio, 31; Leo, 40; Ran, 57; Dan, 46; Ed, 40; and Zhi, 38. Their roles ranged from generator operators to backhoe operators and a mining manager, with residences spanning various regions including Masbate, Surigao Del Sur, Bukidnon, and Negros Occidental.
Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, chief of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) Public Information Office, stated that the operation was initiated based on a tip from a concerned citizen. The arrests were made for violations of Sections 102 and 103 of Republic Act 7942 and Section 3, paragraph (c) of RA 7076.
Authorities recovered substantial evidence from the site, including two backhoes, a vibrating screen, an automatic generator set, two wheeler dump trucks, two boxes containing Mercury bottles, identification cards, 52 pieces of caliber 5.56 mm ammunition, 23 pieces of caliber .45 ammunition, a firearm case, a bolo with scabbard, and one Toyota Hilux unit.
Official Statements on Environmental Protection
Malong affirmed that the operation sends a clear message that illegal mining and exploitation of natural resources will not be tolerated in the Negros Island Region. "PRO-NIR will continue to enforce the law, protect the environment, and preserve the region’s natural resources, ensuring the safety and welfare of all residents," she declared.
Hinoba-an Mayor Daph Anthony Reliquias echoed this sentiment, expressing firm opposition to illegal mining. "I am firmly against illegal mining. Any extraction of our natural resources without lawful permits, regulatory compliance, and environmental safeguards is unacceptable," he stated.
Reliquias emphasized that the issue extends beyond enforcement, focusing on protecting the future of Hinoban-ons. "Our farmers, families, and communities rely on clean water, fertile land, and a safe environment for their livelihood and well-being. As your Mayor, my duty is clear: to safeguard our resources, uphold the law, and ensure that development in Hinoba-an is responsible, lawful, and beneficial to our people," he concluded.
The coordinated efforts have successfully halted all illegal activities, with seized materials properly secured, underscoring the commitment to environmental integrity and sustainable progress in Negros Occidental.
