CIDG busts foreigner-funded gold mining in Agusan del Sur

Police arrested four foreigners and nine Filipinos for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities during a raid in a remote area in Agusan del Sur.

- By AARON RECUENCO

Police Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz, director of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), said the operation stemmed from a confirmed intelligence report about the involvement of Chinese in illegal gold mining activity in Barangay Bunawan Brooks in Bunawan town.

According to the CIDG intelligence report, the four arrested Chinese were financing the illegal mining of gold in the area.

Accompanied by local environment officials and local police, CIDG operatives swooped down on the area and arrested 13 people, including four Chinese.

"They were caught while allegedly engaging in illegal mining activity, particularly extracting gold and other associated minerals without the proper permit and license from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau," said Macapaz.