OPERATIVES of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have arrested two Korean businessmen and nine Filipinos for alleged involvement in illegal mining in Butuan City in Agusan del Norte, the CIDG reported yesterday.
The suspects, led by Koreans Joung Whan Oh and Young Gwan Mun, were nabbed in Barangay San Vicente on Friday last week while in the act of transporting 500 sacks of copper ore minerals, worth P700,000, using a Hyundai trailer truck and a KIA Bongo vehicle.
The arrested Filipinos were identified only as John, Jenalyn, Herbert, Jenie, Noel, Macky, Beth, Marvin, and Elmer.
“They are transporting the minerals without the necessary mining rights, permits, or agreements from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and other proper authorities, thus, illegal,” the CIDG said in a statement.
Also seized from the suspects were mining tools, testing solutions, and other related materials that were used in illegal mineral extraction.
The suspects will be charged with violations of Sections 101 (illegal exploration), 103 (theft of minerals), and 110 (transporting minerals without a permit) in relation to Section 53 of Republic Act 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
The CIDG said the operation was conducted under its “Oplan Kalikasan” campaign plan against unlawful destruction of natural resources.
CIDG director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III assured the public that the CIDG will continue to be relentless in their efforts to go after violators of environmental laws, whether they are Filipinos or foreigners.
“We urge the public to report all violations and illegal activities concerning our environment such as illegal fishing, illegal mining , illegal quarrying, illegal logging and related environmental crimes, and your CIDG will do the rest,” Torre said.
