₱1.35-M illegal mineral ore shipment intercepted in Misamis Oriental; 3 arrested

Police authorities intercepted a multi-million peso shipment of suspected illegal mineral ores and apprehended three individuals during a routine checkpoint operation in Barangay Amoros here on Monday, August 17, 2026.

Joint police forces flagged down a white Toyota Hi-Ace van at the Amoros checkpoint for a seatbelt infraction. Inspecting the vehicle, officers found 27 sacks of suspected mineral ores after the occupants failed to present Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) transport documents.

The arrested individuals—identified by aliases "Roni," "Rey," and "Jay," aged 31 to 39—are from Davao de Oro. The estimated ₱135,000 ore and ₱1,219,000 van bring the total seizure to ₱1,354,000. Detained at the El Salvador City Police Station, the suspects face charges under Republic Act No. 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995), while the items are slated for MGB Region 10 verification.

Courtesy: Philippine National Police