Manila, March 24 -- The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Monday reported the arrest of two Korean nationals and nine Filipinos involved in illegal mining in Butuan City.

In a statement, CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre said the CIDG-Caraga operatives arrested Joung Whan Oh and Young Gwan Mun, both Korean nationals, and Filipino suspects identified as alias John, Jenalyn, Herbert, Jenie, Noel, Macky, Beth, Marvin, and Elmer in Barangay San Vicente on March 21.

In coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 13, Torres said the suspects were caught in the act while transporting 500 sacks of suspected copper ore minerals worth PHP700,000, us...