DUMINGAG, Zamboanga del Sur — Authorities confiscated an estimated ₱533,750 worth of suspected mineral ore following three separate anti-illegal mining operations conducted in the early hours of Monday, May 4, 2026, in this municipality.
Based on reports from the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZSPPO), the coordinated operations were led by the Bantay Kalikasan personnel of the Dumingag local government unit in close coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-IX.
First interception: Lower Landing
At around 4:30 a.m., authorities flagged down a white Suzuki multicab along the National Highway in Purok 1, Barangay Lower Landing.
The vehicle was driven by a 32-year-old male, who was accompanied by three laborers. Upon inspection, law enforcers discovered 25 sacks of copper ore with an estimated weight of 1,250 kilograms and a total value of approximately ₱43,750.
Second operation: Sitio Panamin
Hours later, at about 7:40 a.m., authorities intercepted a blue Mitsubishi Canter mini dump truck along a barangay road in Sitio Panamin, Barangay Dulop.
The vehicle was being driven by a 58-year-old man with a 37-year-old truckman on board. The truck was found carrying 150 sacks of mineral ore, estimated to be worth ₱262,500.
Third interception: Barangay Dulop
A follow-up operation conducted at around 8:00 a.m. in the same area led to the apprehension of another Mitsubishi Canter mini dump truck, this time green in color.
The vehicle was driven by a 34-year-old male, accompanied by a 35-year-old truckman. Authorities discovered 130 sacks of mineral ore onboard, with an estimated value of ₱227,500.
Total haul and turnover
In total, authorities confiscated mineral ore valued at ₱533,750 across the three operations. Six individuals were initially held in connection with the incidents.
All apprehended vehicles and individuals were turned over to the Dumingag Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and further investigation. Meanwhile, the seized mineral ore was handed over to the MGB-IX for proper assessment and disposition.
Authorities have yet to release further details on possible charges as investigations continue into the source and legality of the transported mineral materials.