Police arrested 40 individuals allegedly involved in unauthorized mining activities during an anti-illegal mining operation in Barangay Callos, Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija, on Sept. 24, 2026. (Jason de Asis)
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Police arrested 40 individuals allegedly involved in unauthorized mining activities during an anti-illegal mining operation in Barangay Callos, Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija, on the evening of Sept. 24, 2026.
Personnel of the Peñaranda Municipal Police Station, led by Police Capt. Silvestre C. Colanza, officer-in-charge, conducted the operation, locally known as “Dulang,” after receiving information about reported illegal mining activities in the area.
Police said the operating team found the group allegedly engaged in soil extraction using two backhoes. Upon verification, the individuals reportedly failed to present the necessary permits and documents authorizing the mining activity.
Two water pumps were also recovered during the operation and were taken as evidence.
The 40 arrested individuals were brought to the Peñaranda MPS for proper disposition, while the alleged foreman or supervisor remains at large.
Police said charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, are being prepared against those arrested.
Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office Director Police Col. Ritchie R. Claravall said the provincial police office will continue to intensify operations against illegal mining and other activities that may pose risks to the environment and public safety.
The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) also emphasized the importance of coordination with concerned government agencies and the local government of Peñaranda, headed by Mayor Joselito A. Ramos, in addressing unlawful activities and protecting communities and the environment.
PRO3 Director Police Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez said the operation forms part of the regional police office’s continuing enforcement of environmental laws and efforts to protect communities and natural resources.
“Illegal mining is not only a violation of the law. Unregulated excavation can affect the environment and, eventually, the communities around it. Our units will continue to act on these activities and work closely with the proper government agencies to ensure that our natural resources are protected,” Mendez said.
The operation also supports the directive of Chief, PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. for regional directors and police commanders to strengthen coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in operations against illegal mining and illegal logging.
Nartatez has also emphasized cooperation among law enforcement agencies, environmental authorities, local governments and communities in protecting the country’s natural resources.
Mendez further stressed that environmental protection is part of maintaining community safety.
“Protecting our communities also means protecting the environment they depend on. We will continue to enforce the law wherever illegal activities threaten both,” he said.
The arrested individuals remain subject to the appropriate legal proceedings, with charges to be evaluated by the proper authorities. (Jason de Asis)