ITOGON, Benguet - Some 200 soldiers, police and environment officers descended on this northern town on Sunday to implement a ban on small-scale mining operations.

The government last month ordered a stop to all mining in the mountainous gold-rich region of Cordillera after typhoon Ompong unleashed landslides that killed 89 people in Itogon, including dozens of miners and their families.

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Authorities deployed to Itogon will inspect 1,185 "adits" or mining tunnels. Those caught violating the cease and desist order against mining will face charges, the environment department said.

In Itogon's Barangay Supang, a minor caught panning for gold was brought to the police station on Sunday morning.

Cyanide and other mining materials in a processing facility, meanwhile, were confiscated.

Last week, 6 men were arrested for illegally operating a gold processing facility. Three of them posted bail while charges were dropped against the rest.

The crackdown on mining will be implemented until a "minahang bayan" or permit to mine is approved by the environment agency.