MAASIM, Sarangani Province — Authorities intercepted a truck transporting approximately 1.45 metric tons of suspected sodium cyanide in the early hours of Wednesday, November 11, in Maasim, Sarangani Province, resulting in the arrest of the driver and his helper.
The Maasim Maritime Law Enforcement Team (MLET), working with the Maasim Municipal Police Station (MPS) and Regional Maritime Unit 12 (RMU12), conducted the operation at around 12:30 a.m. at Sitio Tampuan, Barangay Kamanga, where personnel flagged down a truck for inspection.
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A subsequent examination of the vehicle led to the discovery of 29 sacks of suspected sodium cyanide, with an estimated combined weight of 1,450 kilograms and an estimated market value of ₱1,740,000.
The two individuals aboard the truck were arrested and identified only by their aliases, “Kitoy,” 31, the driver, and “Totoy,” 59, his helper. Both are reportedly residents of Pantukan, Davao de Oro.
Authorities have yet to disclose the intended destination of the chemical shipment, its declared purpose, the source of the materials, or whether the suspects presented documents authorizing its transport.
The seized chemicals were turned over to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Maasim for temporary custody and safekeeping. They are awaiting referral to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau 12 (DENR-EMB 12) for appropriate handling and further action.
Both suspects remain under the custody of the Maasim MLET as authorities prepare the appropriate charges for filing in court.
The interception highlights the importance of monitoring the movement of potentially hazardous chemicals, particularly substances that require proper regulation, documentation, transport procedures, and handling to prevent risks to public safety and the environment.
Sodium cyanide is a highly toxic chemical compound that can pose serious risks to human health and the environment if improperly handled, released, or stored. Its transportation and use require appropriate safeguards and regulatory compliance. However, the actual identity and chemical composition of the seized materials have yet to be independently confirmed through laboratory examination.
Police Regional Office 12 Regional Director PBGEN Alan B. Manibog said authorities would continue strengthening enforcement operations against the illegal transportation of dangerous chemicals and other regulated substances.
“We will continue to intensify our monitoring and law enforcement efforts against the illegal transportation of hazardous chemicals and other regulated substances. Coordination among our operating units and environmental authorities is essential to ensure the proper handling and disposition of confiscated materials and protect the safety of our communities,” Manibog said.
The authorities’ next steps are expected to include the proper assessment and disposition of the seized materials, as well as the determination of any applicable violations involving their possession and transportation.
The case also underscores the need for sustained coordination between law enforcement agencies and environmental regulators to prevent hazardous substances from being transported or handled outside established safety and regulatory requirements.
The Mindanao Sentinel will continue monitoring developments in the case, including the confirmation of the seized substance and the filing of charges against the arrested individuals.