Manila, Dec. 30 -- The Butuan City Mobile Force Company (BCMFC) arrested 10 individuals allegedly involved in illegal mining during a raid in Barangay Bilay here on Monday afternoon.

BCMFC chief Lt. Col. Randie Azote said in an interview Tuesday that the 10 suspects were caught in the act of extracting gold ores and other minerals.

Reports from civilians helped authorities locate the illegal mining activities of the suspects, who are now facing charges for violating Section 8 of Republic Act No. 7076, also known as the People's Small-Scale Mining Act, Azote said.

The suspects will also be charged for violating the provisions of Administrative Order No. 2022-03 of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Butuan City Ordin...