CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) intensified its campaign against illegal mining following the arrest of 40 individuals allegedly caught engaging in unauthorized mining activities in Barangay Callos, Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija on the evening of September 24, 2026.
Personnel of Peñaranda Municipal Police Station, led by PCPT Silvestre C Colanza, OIC, conducted an anti-illegal mining operation locally known as “Dulang” after receiving information regarding the reported activity in the area.
The operating team caught the group allegedly conducting soil extraction using two backhoes.
Upon verification, the individuals failed to present the required permits and documents authorizing the activity where two water pumps were also recovered as evidence.
The 40 arrested individuals were brought to Peñaranda MPS for proper disposition, while the alleged foreman or supervisor remains at large.
Appropriate charges for violation of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, are now being prepared.
Nueva Ecija Provincial Director PCOL Ritchie R Claravall assured that NEPPO will continue supporting intensified operations against illegal mining and other activities that may endanger the environment and public safety.
PRO3 Director PBGEN Jess B Mendez, meanwhile, stressed that the operation reflects the command’s continuing effort to enforce environmental laws and protect both 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,” PBGEN Mendez emphasized.
The operation also supports the directive of Chief, PNP PGEN Jose Melencio C Nartatez Jr. for regional directors and police commanders to strengthen coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in operations against illegal mining and illegal logging.
Nartatez has likewise underscored the importance of close cooperation among law enforcement agencies, environmental authorities, local government units, and communities in protecting the country’s natural resources.
Mendez further noted “Protecting our communities also means protecting the environment they depend on. We will continue to enforce the law wherever illegal activities threaten both.”
