LINAMON, Lanao del Norte — Police authorities confiscated approximately ₱1.75 million worth of suspected mineral ores and arrested two individuals during an anti-illegal mining operation conducted by the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDN PPO) in Barangay Samburon, Linamon, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
The operation, carried out at around 11:45 a.m. within the area of responsibility of the 3rd Mobile Force Platoon, stemmed from a routine inspection that eventually uncovered the alleged illegal transport of mineral resources.
Authorities identified the driver only by his alias “Rick,” 25, married, and a resident of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, along with his passenger, alias “Mark,” 20, single, and a resident of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.
According to the police, the suspects were onboard a white Hino wing van truck when personnel flagged the vehicle down for inspection. During verification, officers found that the driver was not wearing a seatbelt and was unable to present a valid driver’s license. Further examination also revealed that the truck had undergone an unauthorized change of color from white to blue, prompting authorities to issue a Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) and impound the vehicle.
While conducting a more thorough inspection of the cargo, police discovered the truck was carrying around 350 sacks of suspected mineral ores. The driver reportedly failed to present any permits or legal documents authorizing the transport of the mineral materials.
The operating team immediately coordinated with Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-deputized personnel and the MGB Regional Office 10 to verify the legality of the shipment.
Authorities estimated the value of the confiscated mineral ores at approximately ₱1,750,000, excluding the Hino wing van truck, which was also taken into police custody as part of the operation.
Initial investigation indicated that the suspected mineral ores originated from Misamis Oriental and were allegedly being transported to Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental. Authorities have yet to determine whether the shipment was sourced from a legitimate mining operation or extracted through illegal means.
The arrested individuals were brought to the Linamon Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition. They may face charges for violating Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, which governs the exploration, development, utilization, and transport of the country’s mineral resources.
Meanwhile, the confiscated mineral ores and the impounded vehicle remain under the custody of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, LDN PPO, pending megascopic analysis and examination by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 10 to determine the nature and composition of the seized materials and establish whether they were illegally extracted or transported.
Police Regional Office 10 Director Police Brigadier General Christopher N. Abrahano commended the operating personnel for their vigilance and underscored the importance of sustained law enforcement efforts against illegal mining activities.
“Illegal mining is a direct threat to our environment, our communities, and the rule of law. PRO10 will relentlessly intensify its operations against individuals and groups engaged in these unlawful activities. We will continue to work closely with our partner agencies to ensure that violators are arrested, prosecuted, and held accountable under the law,” Abrahano said.
Illegal mining remains a persistent concern in several parts of Northern Mindanao due to its adverse environmental impacts, including deforestation, soil erosion, river siltation, and increased risks of flooding and landslides. Authorities said they will continue strengthening coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and other government agencies to curb the unlawful extraction and transport of mineral resources and protect the country’s natural environment.