OPERATIVES of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) have arrested 23 people while allegedly engaged in illegal mining in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.
In a social media post, the CIDG said the 23 suspects apprehended on Friday were all from Barangay San Andres, Bunawan.
Among them was a minor who was then turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office in Bunawan.
The rest 22 were detained at the municipal jail while charges of violating the Philippine Mining Act were being prepared against them.
The raiders also confiscated 35 sacks of gold-bearing rock materials, a percussion hammer, an electric drill, drilling rod, cellophane wrappers containing ammonium nitrate fuel oil, improvised explosives, improvised electric detonators, blasting caps, and a hammer.
Further investigation will be conducted to identify and charge the financiers and operators behind the illegal mining operations in the area.
