Seven Chinese nationals were arrested during an environmental law enforcement operation in Barangay Tuburan, Cagayan de Oro City, on July 23, 2025.
The joint operation was led by the Headquarters Regional Maritime Unit X, Misamis Oriental Maritime Police Station, Opol Municipal Police Station, the Philippine National Police–Regional Mobile Force Battalion X, and the DENR-Region X through CENRO Initao.
The arrested individuals face charges for violating RA 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995), PD 705 (Revised Forestry Code), and PD 1067 (Water Code of the Philippines).
Authorities seized heavy equipment and materials including two hydraulic excavators, a separator, a wheel loader, water pumps, matting, and washed sand, with a total estimated value of P18.9 million.
The suspects are under the custody of the Misamis Oriental Maritime Police Station. Confiscated equipment has been turned over to the Tuburan LGU, while DENR-X Executive Director Henry Adornado lauded law enforcement for their cooperation and urged public vigilance in protecting natural resources.
