Authorities arrested four men and seized more than ₱4.5 million worth of suspected illegally sourced copper ore during a late-night law enforcement operation targeting illegal mineral transport in Barangay Camagong, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.
Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit 13, in coordination with the Agusan del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company and local police units, carried out the operation at around 11:30 p.m. on March 7, 2026.
The operation led to the arrest of four Filipino male suspects, all of legal age, who were allegedly caught in possession and transporting copper ore minerals without the required government permits.
Authorities confiscated a total of 51 sacks of copper ore minerals, along with an undetermined quantity of raw or bulk copper ore that had not yet been placed in sacks. Also seized were two heavy trailer trucks used to transport the minerals. The total estimated value of the recovered evidence reached ₱4,546,914.
According to a report submitted to CIDG Director Police Major General Robert AA Morico II, the suspects were intercepted while allegedly transporting the minerals onboard the two trucks without securing the necessary Ore Transport Permit, a requirement under Republic Act No. 7942, also known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Morico emphasized that under the law, all mineral resources located in public and private lands within the Philippines, including those found in the country’s exclusive economic zone, are owned by the State.
He stressed that the government promotes the responsible exploration, development, utilization, and conservation of these resources through coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors.
“The State ensures that mineral resources are utilized in a way that supports national development while safeguarding the environment and protecting the rights of communities affected by mining activities,” Morico said.
The arrested suspects are now facing charges before the National Prosecution Service for violations of Section 53 (Ore Transport Permit) in relation to Section 110 (Other Violations), as well as Section 103 (Theft of Minerals) of Republic Act 7942.
The operation was conducted as part of the CIDG’s intensified OPLAN Kalikasan, which supports the environmental protection campaign of Philippine National Police Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.
CIDG leadership also commended Police Lieutenant Colonel Butch Ian C. Miñoza, regional chief of CIDG Regional Field Unit 13, and the participating units for the successful operation.
Authorities said the accomplishment highlights the CIDG’s continuing commitment to protect the country’s natural resources and curb illegal mining activities that harm the environment.
The CIDG also called on the public to remain vigilant and report illegal activities affecting natural resources, including illegal mining, quarrying, and logging.
Officials assured that reports from communities will be acted upon promptly as authorities continue to intensify operations against environmental crimes across the country.