Authorities intercepted an estimated ₱4.5 million worth of suspected ore minerals during a series of checkpoint operations conducted in Barangay Butadon, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte on May 24, 2025.
The operations were jointly carried out by personnel of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, the Provincial Intelligence Unit–Lanao del Norte (PIU-LDN), Regional Intelligence Division 10 (RID 10), and the 51st Mechanized Company of the 5th Battalion, Armored Division.
Initial reports said the first interception took place at around 8:00 a.m. during a checkpoint operation in Purok 1, Barangay Butadon. Authorities flagged down an orange-and-silver Mitsubishi Fuso wing van truck bearing Plate No. MBF 4402 after the driver was allegedly caught violating seat belt regulations.
The truck was driven by alias “Poldo,” 47, a married resident of Valencia City, along with his 33-year-old truck helper from Malaybalay City.
Upon inspection, authorities discovered that the vehicle was transporting approximately 25,000 kilograms of suspected ore minerals with an estimated market value of ₱1.5 million. Investigators said the driver failed to present legal transport documents for the mineral cargo.
Later at around 10:30 a.m., law enforcement personnel received intelligence information regarding the transport of additional ore minerals in the area, prompting another joint checkpoint operation involving the 2nd PMFC-LDNPPO, Kapatagan Municipal Police Station, PIU-LDN, RID 10, and the 51st Mechanized Company.
During the follow-up operation, authorities intercepted two more Mitsubishi Fuso wing van trucks.
One of the vehicles, a green-and-silver wing van bearing Plate No. MBN 3148, was driven by alias “Mer,” 32, married, and a resident of Alubijid. The second truck, also a green-and-silver wing van with Plate No. MBE 7884, was driven by alias “Bert,” 33, married, and a resident of Talakag.
Both drivers were issued citation tickets for seat belt violations by deputized Land Transportation Office personnel.
Further inspection revealed that each truck was carrying approximately 25,000 kilograms of suspected ore minerals valued at around ₱1.5 million per load. Similar to the first incident, both drivers allegedly failed to produce legal documents authorizing the transport of the mineral resources.
In total, authorities confiscated three Mitsubishi Fuso wing van trucks and around 75,000 kilograms of suspected ore minerals with a combined estimated value of ₱4.5 million.
The drivers and truck personnel were brought to the Kapatagan Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and disposition. Meanwhile, the confiscated vehicles and mineral cargo are now under the custody of the 2nd PMFC-LDNPPO pending megascopic analysis and examination by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region 10.
Provincial Director PCOL Leo De Leon Sua of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office commended the operating personnel for their dedication, vigilance, and professionalism in the successful conduct of the operation.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact source and intended destination of the seized mineral cargo as investigations continue.