LUGAIT, Misamis Oriental — Joint law enforcement units seized over PHP 3 million worth of mineral ores and a transport vehicle during an anti-illegal mining operation in the town of Lugait on Monday, April 6, leading to the arrest of a 28-year-old suspect.
The Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) reported that authorities flagged down a light-duty commercial truck in the early hours of Monday in Barangay Poblacion. The vehicle was driven by a suspect identified only as “Ongco,” a resident of Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, who was reportedly traveling from Barangay Limonda in Opol town en route to Iligan City.
Under the plain view doctrine, inspecting personnel observed that the Isuzu Elf truck was loaded with sacks. Upon further investigation, police discovered 171 sacks containing unprocessed, suspected mineral ores. The driver was immediately apprehended after failing to present the pertinent documents and permits authorizing the transport of the state-owned materials.
Authorities estimated the market value of the confiscated mineral ores at PHP 1.71 million. Along with the seized transport truck valued at PHP 1.3 million, the total estimated value of the confiscation reached PHP 3.01 million. The successful apprehension was a joint effort by personnel from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of Misamis Oriental, the Lugait Municipal Police Station, and the 100th Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10.
PRO-10 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Christopher N. Abrahano commended the operating units for their swift action and reiterated the regional office’s strong commitment to protecting the environment.
“We will continue to strengthen our coordination with partner agencies and local government units to put an end to these unlawful activities. Let this serve as a warning to those who persist in exploiting our natural resources without proper authority PRO10 will not hesitate to take decisive action against violators,” Abrahano said in a statement.
The arrested suspect is currently under the custody of the Lugait Municipal Police Station for documentation and the filing of appropriate criminal charges. He faces violations of Republic Act No. 7942, otherwise known as the “Philippine Mining Act of 1995,” which declares all mineral resources as state-owned and strictly regulates their extraction to enforce environmental protection.
The confiscated transport vehicle and sacks of mineral ores were transported to the 2nd PMFC Headquarters in Libertad, Misamis Oriental, for safekeeping and proper disposition. The materials are slated to be officially turned over to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office 10.|
