EL SALVADOR CITY, Misamis Oriental—Police intercepted an unauthorized shipment of suspected mineral ores valued at over ₱1.35 million and arrested three men at a routine traffic checkpoint in Barangay Amoros on Monday, August 17, 2026.
The operation was conducted by personnel from the 1st Platoon Amoros Boundary Control Point, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office, in coordination with the El Salvador City Police Station.
Law enforcers initially flagged down a white passenger van for a simple seatbelt infraction before discovering the illegal cargo.
During a visual inspection, officers spotted several sacks filled with suspected mineral ores inside the vehicle, along with additional bags stored in the rear compartment.
When pressed for documentation, the occupants failed to present valid permits or transport documents required for moving mineral resources, leading to their immediate arrest and the confiscation of the shipment.
Authorities identified the suspects by their aliases: “Roni,” 36, the driver; and passengers “Rey,” 31, and “Jay,” 39. All three are residents of Davao de Oro.
Police seized 27 sacks of suspected mineral ores estimated to be worth ₱135,000, along with the transport vehicle valued at ₱1.219 million, bringing the total value of confiscated property to ₱1,354,000.
The three suspects are currently held in custody at the El Salvador City Police Station and face charges for violating Republic Act No. 7942, otherwise known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
The seized materials have been secured and scheduled for turnover to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office 10 for official laboratory examination and verification.
Philippine National Police Chief PGen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasized that the operation aligns with the PNP focused agenda and enhanced managing police operations to crack down on environmental crimes under the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“We will remain firm in enforcing the law against illegal mining activities. Our personnel will act on violations and ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” PGen. Nartatez stated.
