DIPOLOG CITY, Philippines — Authorities discovered approximately 1,581 sacks of mineral ores believed to have been illegally sourced inside three wing van trucks held at the Dipolog City Port in Barangay Galas, following a coordinated inspection by government enforcement and environmental agencies.
The three trucks were initially held at the port on the evening of September 24, 2026, amid questions surrounding the nature and documentation of their cargo.
The inspection was conducted on September 26 at around 2 p.m., after the reported owner of the cargo agreed to have the wing vans opened in the presence of a representative.
The operation involved personnel and representatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), Maritime Police, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Office of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (OPENRO).
1,581 sacks found in three trucks
The inventory found that the first wing van, bearing plate number CBN 5193 and driven by Reynaldo Ortega, 54, of Estancia, Iloilo, was carrying approximately 542 sacks of mineral ores.
The second wing van, with plate number CBS 2383, was driven by Bhonlee de los Reyes, 31, also of Estancia, Iloilo. Authorities found approximately 515 sacks of mineral ores inside.
The two vehicles were identified as being operated by Yorskie Trucking Services.
The third wing van, bearing plate number CDB 1325, was driven by Nenjer Banac and was identified as belonging to Yuni Transportation Inc. It contained approximately 524 sacks of mineral ores.
Combined, the three trucks contained an estimated 1,581 sacks of the mineral cargo.
Cargo reportedly traced to Dumingag
According to Jeff Fernandez, the representative who witnessed the opening, inspection and inventory of the trucks, one of the reported owners of the mineral cargo was Brando Villas, a resident of Barangay Balangasan, Pagadian City.
Fernandez reportedly said Villas purchased the mineral ores from small-scale miners and arranged for the three wing vans to transport the cargo to Cebu City.
He also said the minerals originated from the Minahang Bayan in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur.
This account differed from the initial information reportedly provided by the truck drivers, who had earlier indicated that the cargo came from Molave, Zamboanga del Sur.
Authorities were also informed that the mineral ores allegedly had no Ore Transport Permit (OTP) at the time they were transported.
The reported absence of the required transport document is among the matters expected to be examined further as authorities determine the legal status and provenance of the cargo.
Search warrant considered amid initial non-cooperation
Before the inspection was carried out, representatives of the concerned agencies met on September 25 to discuss how the three sealed wing vans could legally be opened and examined.
Authorities had considered seeking a search warrant from the Bulwagan ng Katarungan if the cargo owner continued to refuse permission for the vehicles to be opened.
After a series of negotiations, however, the cargo owner agreed to allow the inspection and sent Fernandez to represent the owner during the opening, examination and inventory of the trucks.
The inspection was subsequently conducted under the supervision of Engr. Grant Rey B. Prenala of the MGB and Jeffrey Taaral of DENR-PENRO.
Trucks sealed and placed under temporary custody
Following the inventory, authorities resealed all three wing vans as part of the documentation and preservation of the cargo pending further investigation.
The sealing and documentation were witnessed and signed by Engr. Grant Rey B. Prenala of the MGB, PCAPT Allan S. Pestañas of the Maritime Police, PO1st Ruel Secoya of the PCG-Dipolog Sub-Station, and Rudy Mabbagu of OPENRO.
Also present during the operation were LTJG Christian Dave Tayco, Acting Commander of the PCG-Dapitan Port Station, and Leo Alistado of the EMB.
After the necessary procedures, including the issuance of a seizure receipt, the three wing vans were transferred to the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) for temporary custody and safekeeping under OPENRO.
The vehicles and mineral cargo are expected to be turned over to the regional office of the MGB for continued examination and investigation.
Authorities will determine the appropriate action or possible case based on the evidence gathered, including the origin of the minerals, the documentation covering their extraction and transport, and the circumstances surrounding their shipment.
The discovery has placed renewed attention on the movement of mineral ores from small-scale mining areas and the enforcement of transport and environmental regulations governing mineral resources.
At this stage, the reported illegal sourcing of the mineral ores remains an allegation subject to the ongoing investigation and determination by the appropriate government agencies.