SULTAN NAGA DIMAPORO, Lanao del Norte — Authorities intercepted a dump truck carrying approximately 6.25 metric tons of alleged ore minerals with an estimated market value of ₱625,000 during a checkpoint operation shortly after midnight on September 27, 2026.
The operation was conducted at about 12:10 a.m. at Purok 3, Barangay Mamagum, Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND), when personnel of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDN PPO), together with personnel of the 51st Mechanized Company, 5th Battalion, Armored Division, stopped a Sinotruk dump truck bearing Temporary Plate No. NLI2996 for verification.
Police said the vehicle was flagged down after operating personnel noticed the alleged unauthorized use of an improvised plate number.
The truck was being driven by a 32-year-old married man identified by authorities only through the alias “Ren,” a resident of Kidama, Matalam, Cotabato. Three other individuals were aboard the vehicle and were identified as aliases “Kier,” 51, of Kidapawan City, North Cotabato; “Atan,” 27; and “Gar,” 22, both residents of Kidama, Matalam, Cotabato.
Improvised Plate Leads to Vehicle Impoundment
During the initial verification, authorities examined the truck’s registration and other documents. LTO-deputized personnel determined that the use of the improvised plate constituted a violation of existing Land Transportation Office rules and regulations.
The vehicle was subsequently subject to impoundment in accordance with applicable LTO regulations.
The inspection, however, led authorities to another discovery.
Further examination of the dump truck revealed that it was loaded with numerous sacks containing what were described by authorities as alleged ore minerals.
Barangay officials were immediately requested to witness the inventory of the materials at the checkpoint to document the seized items.
Authorities counted a total of 125 sacks, with an estimated combined weight of approximately 6.25 metric tons. The materials were placed at an estimated market value of ₱625,000, based on valuation from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
The Sinotruk dump truck, including its key, was also taken into custody.
MGB Examination to Determine Nature of Minerals
The driver and his three companions were brought to the Sultan Naga Dimaporo Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.
The alleged ore minerals and the truck remain under the custody of the 2nd PMFC, LDN PPO, pending megascopic analysis and examination by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office 10.
Authorities said the examination will determine the actual nature and classification of the confiscated materials and guide the appropriate legal and administrative action.
At this stage, the materials are being referred to as alleged ore minerals, pending the MGB’s technical examination. The seizure and interception likewise do not, by themselves, establish criminal liability on the part of the individuals involved.
Police Cite Coordination in Checkpoint Operation
PCOL Leo De Leon Sua, Provincial Director of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, commended the police and military personnel involved in the checkpoint operation.
Sua said continued vigilance at checkpoints remains important in preventing the unauthorized movement of regulated or undocumented materials within the province.
“Our personnel will remain vigilant in our checkpoints and other law enforcement operations to prevent the unlawful transport of regulated or undocumented materials within the province,” Sua said.
He also underscored the importance of coordination between law enforcement agencies, the military, other government offices and local communities in enforcing regulations and protecting natural resources.
The LDN PPO said it will continue strengthening checkpoint and other law enforcement operations in coordination with concerned government agencies as authorities work to prevent illegal activities and maintain peace and order across Lanao del Norte.
The case remains subject to the results of the MGB examination and the appropriate disposition of the confiscated materials and vehicle.