CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A joint police operation led by the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) through the 1003rd Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10), successfully intercepted a truck loaded with an estimated ₱10 million worth of suspected mineral ores during an intensified checkpoint operation in Sitio Nabunturan, Barangay Kalagangan, San Fernando, Bukidnon, on November 7, 2025.
The enforcement team, composed of personnel from RMFB 10 and other police units, flagged down a red Shacman dump truck driven by a man identified only as “Jaypee,” 24, married, and a resident of Barangay Sawata, San Isidro, Davao del Norte. The truck was reportedly transporting around 500 sacks of mineral ores from Barangay Dao—an area previously associated with illegal mining operations—toward Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
Upon inspection, the driver could only present a permit for sand and gravel, raising suspicions among authorities. A closer examination revealed that the cargo contained suspected mineral ores, which the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) personnel later confirmed to be illegally extracted minerals.
The driver failed to show valid transport permits for the ores, prompting police to coordinate with the Bukidnon Provincial Intelligence Unit and San Fernando Municipal Police Station for the proper documentation and turnover of evidence. Due to the remote location, the inventory was conducted at the San Fernando MPS from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in the presence of MENRO officials, barangay representatives, and witnesses.
Authorities confiscated the dump truck, mining tools, and approximately 500 sacks of mineral ores valued at around ₱10 million. All seized items were turned over to MENRO San Fernando for safekeeping and disposition, while criminal charges are being prepared against the driver in coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
PBGEN Christopher N. Abrahano, Acting Regional Director of PRO10, commended the team for their vigilance and strong commitment to environmental law enforcement.
“The relentless campaign of PRO10 against illegal mining is a testament to our firm commitment to uphold the law and protect the environment. We will not stop until those exploiting our region’s natural resources are held accountable,” Abrahano said.
PRO10 reaffirmed its full support for the national government’s anti-illegal mining campaign and urged the public to report any activities that endanger the environment and the welfare of local communities.