BONIFACIO, Misamis Occidental — Authorities intercepted approximately ₱2.65 million worth of alleged unprocessed mineral ores and arrested a truck driver during a joint anti-illegal mining checkpoint operation conducted at the Regional Border Control Point (RBCP) in Barangay Lilo-an, Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental, at around 11:10 a.m. on July 23, 2026.
The successful operation was carried out by personnel of the 1002nd Maneuver Company (MC), Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10) in coordination with the Bonifacio Municipal Police Station, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office, Ozamiz City Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), Provincial Intelligence Unit–Misamis Occidental, and the Regional Intelligence Division 10.
Arrested during the operation was a man identified only by the alias “Owin,” 46 years old, single, a truck driver, and a resident of Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental.
Suspicious Truck Leads to Discovery
According to police reports, the joint checkpoint team flagged down a green FUSO winged van truck traveling from Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur, en route to the port of Ozamiz City.
Authorities initially asked the driver to present the necessary delivery receipt and supporting documents covering the truck’s cargo. However, the driver failed to produce any documentation, prompting law enforcement personnel to conduct a closer visual inspection of the vehicle.
During the inspection, officers noticed mud and gravel fragments on the rear entry step of the truck, which raised suspicion that the cargo compartment could be concealing materials associated with mining activities.
Police further observed that the driver appeared uneasy during questioning, giving inconsistent responses and exhibiting suspicious behavior.
As the interview continued, the driver eventually admitted that he was transporting sacks containing alleged mineral ores and voluntarily allowed authorities to inspect the cargo.
Upon opening the rear compartment, law enforcement officers discovered 530 sacks containing suspected unprocessed mineral ores, leading to the driver’s immediate arrest.
₱2.65 Million Worth of Mineral Ores Confiscated
Seized during the operation were:
- 530 sacks of alleged unprocessed mineral ores
- Estimated market value of ₱2,650,000
- One green FUSO winged van truck believed to have been used in transporting the materials
The arrested suspect was taken to the Bonifacio Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and custodial procedures.
Charges Under Philippine Mining Act
Authorities are preparing charges against the suspect for alleged violation of Section 53 of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, which governs the exploration, development, utilization, and transport of mineral resources in the country.
Meanwhile, the confiscated mineral ores have been placed under the temporary custody of the 1002nd Maneuver Company, RMFB 10, pending megascopic analysis and laboratory examination by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region 10 to determine the exact nature and classification of the seized materials.
The operation forms part of the intensified campaign of the Philippine National Police and partner agencies against illegal mining activities, which authorities say continue to threaten environmental protection efforts and deprive the government of lawful revenues from the country’s mineral resources.
Investigators are also expected to determine the source of the mineral ores, identify individuals or groups behind the shipment, and establish whether the transport operation is linked to a larger illegal mining network operating in Northern Mindanao and neighboring provinces.