ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte — A 62-year-old Chinese national was arrested after allegedly fleeing from a police checkpoint and was later found transporting an estimated P105,000 worth of suspected mineral ores without the necessary documents on Tuesday, June 16.
According to police reports, personnel of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company were conducting a routine checkpoint operation in Barangay Samburon, Linamon, Lanao del Norte at around 10:30 a.m. when they flagged down a black Ford Ranger XLT bearing plate number CAV 2191.
Authorities said the driver, identified only as a Chinese national, failed to present his driver’s license and the vehicle’s registration documents, including the Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration (OR/CR), during the inspection.
Instead of complying with the checkpoint procedures, the suspect allegedly sped away from the area, prompting law enforcers to launch an immediate hot pursuit operation.
The chase ended in Purok 16, Barangay Suarez (C3), Iligan City, where authorities successfully intercepted the vehicle and apprehended the driver.
A subsequent inspection of the pickup truck led to the discovery of 21 sacks containing suspected mineral ores. Police said each sack weighed approximately 40 kilograms, bringing the total weight of the cargo to around 840 kilograms.
The seized mineral ores were estimated to have a market value of P105,000.
Investigators further revealed that the suspect was unable to present any legal documents authorizing the transport of the mineral materials, raising questions regarding the origin and intended destination of the shipment.
The arrested individual, together with the confiscated mineral ores and the vehicle used in the transport, was brought to the Iligan City Police Station 2 (ICPS2) for proper documentation, investigation, and disposition.
Authorities have yet to determine whether charges related to the unauthorized transport of mineral resources, violation of mining regulations, or other applicable laws will be filed against the suspect.
The Philippine National Police reiterated its call for motorists and transport operators to comply with checkpoint procedures and ensure that all regulated products being transported are accompanied by the required permits and documentation.
Police officials emphasized that checkpoint operations remain a vital component of law enforcement efforts to curb illegal activities, including the unauthorized transport of natural resources and other regulated commodities within the region.
The investigation is ongoing to establish the source of the seized mineral ores and determine whether other individuals may be involved in the operation.