4 arrested, P9.5-M equipment seized in Surigao ‘illegal’ mining operation

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Four men were arrested and an estimated P9.5 million worth of heavy equipment, gold ore and mining tools were seized during an anti-illegal mining operation in Barangay Mabini in Surigao City, authorities said. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said the operation was conducted at about 5:36 p.m.