Authorities raided an illegal mining site in Iligan City on August 22, 2026, arresting three individuals while many others managed to escape.
The operation took place in Sitio Binasan, Barangay Rogongon, where an estimated 100 workers were present.
Seized Equipment and Ongoing Concerns
Major Jhon Paul Abang, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Iligan Field Unit, confirmed the seizure of:
- Two backhoes
- One fire hose
- Two blue plastic hoses
- One billing pan
- One improvised separator
- Eight water pumps of various brands
- Half a sack of suspected mineral ores
Noe Calipusan, acting chief of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, stated that his office monitored the operation as part of Oplan Kalikasan.
The seized equipment is currently stored in the City Engineer’s Office compound in Palao for safekeeping.
Illegal miners from Limunda, Opol, Misamis Oriental have relocated their operations to Binasan, supported by financiers from Davao City who are well-armed.
Frederick Siao, City Mayor
Rogongon barangay chair Ronaldo Soong expressed concern that local officials were not informed about the raid, which could have allowed them to participate.
This incident reflects a broader issue of illegal mining in the Philippines, where enforcement remains a challenge despite government efforts.
The arrested individuals are now undergoing inquest proceedings as authorities continue to tackle illegal mining activities in the region.