MGB Launches First National Workshop to Step Up Illegal Mining Crackdown

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has launched its first National Mining Enforcement Workshop, aimed at sharpening its campaign against illegal mining through stronger policies, better inter-agency coordination, and the use of new technology.

Held from August 12–15, 2025 at Privato Hotel in Quezon City, the four-day workshop gathered MGB regional offices and partner agencies including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Justice (DOJ), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Assistant Secretary for Mining Concerns and OIC-MGB Director Michael V. Cabalda urged participants to harmonize efforts across agencies, while DENR Undersecretary Augusto D. Dela Peña stressed the need for stronger coordination within DENR offices.

As part of the sessions, the MGB’s Mining Technology Division introduced a geospatial database of illegal mining sites using ArcGIS Survey123 to improve monitoring and reporting nationwide. Regional offices also presented their enforcement accomplishments and challenges, which served as inputs in identifying operational gaps.

The workshop produced several proposed policy outputs. These include amendments to MGB Memorandum Circular 2018-01 on the conduct of apprehension and seizure, standardized guidelines on the deputation of DENROs for mines, a draft Joint Administrative Order among DENR, DILG, DND, and DPWH to strengthen inter-agency coordination, and standardized legal documentation for filing mining cases in compliance with DOJ Circular No. 20.

Resource speakers from the Artisanal Gold Council, DOJ, NBI, DENR, and DILG also shared strategies on prosecuting mining offenses, surveillance practices, and inter-agency coordination.

To further prepare personnel for field operations, participants underwent basic firearm safety and self-defense training with the Philippine National Police at Camp Crame.

The event closed with the adoption of enforcement performance indicators for FY 2026, setting benchmarks for MGB regional offices. Officials said the initiative marks a stronger, technology-driven, and more coordinated approach to tackling illegal mining across the country.

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