This is in connection with the series of joint operations conducted by the composite team against illegal mining along the Iponan River and its tributaries in Cagayan de Oro City (CDO), Misamis Oriental and Iligan City. The drive aims to completely eradicate the illegal mining activities in the area for the protection and rehabilitation of the Iponan River and its tributaries.

The team is composed of personnel from the MGB-RO No. X, CDO Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), SULOG (an environment-cause oriented Non-Government Organization), Criminal Investigation Support, CENRO Initao, and the Regional Public Safety Battalion of the Philippine National Police Region X.

In its latest joint operation conducted last January 6, three sub-teams were formed to simultaneously traverse the tributaries of the Iponan River in Dumalocdoc Creek, Tumpagon, CDO; Tawili Creek along the boundary of CDO and Cauyonan, Opol, Misamis Oriental; and Looc Creek in Mainit, Iligan City.

Said operation resulted in the confiscation of various equipment and accessories believed to have been used in illegal mining activities.

By: Mining Technology Division