EL SALVADOR CITY, Misamis Oriental — Three individuals were arrested after police intercepted a vehicle carrying 27 sacks of suspected mineral ores during an anti-illegal mining operation in Barangay Amoros, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, on Monday, August 17, 2026.
The operation stemmed from a routine checkpoint conducted by personnel of the 1st Platoon, Amoros Barangay Community Police Station (BCP), under the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office, in coordination with the El Salvador City Police Station.
During the checkpoint, police officers reportedly noticed several sacks inside a white Toyota Hi-Ace that allegedly contained mineral ores.
Authorities then asked the vehicle’s driver and passengers to present the required documents authorizing the transportation of the mineral ores. According to police, the individuals were unable to produce the necessary documents.
The three occupants were subsequently arrested and identified as alias “Rey,” 31; alias “Jay,” 39; and Rene, 36. All three are reportedly residents of Maragusan, Davao de Oro.
Police seized the Toyota Hi-Ace, which was estimated to be worth ₱1.219 million, along with 27 sacks of suspected mineral ores with an estimated value of ₱135,000.
The combined estimated value of the seized vehicle and suspected mineral ores reached approximately ₱1.354 million.
The confiscated items were subjected to inventory in the presence of a barangay kagawad and a personnel deputized by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) under Task Force Kalikasan ug Kalinaw.
Following the operation, the three suspects and the seized items were brought to the El Salvador City Police Station for safekeeping and documentation.
Authorities are awaiting the turnover of the suspected mineral ores and other seized items to the MGB Regional Office X, which is expected to conduct the appropriate examination, verification and disposition.
The arrests form part of ongoing law enforcement efforts against the unauthorized extraction and transportation of mineral resources in Northern Mindanao.
The three individuals may face appropriate charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, depending on the findings of the investigation and verification by the concerned government agencies.
Authorities have yet to establish the exact type and origin of the suspected mineral ores, as these remain subject to proper examination by the MGB.
The police operation also underscores the role of roadside checkpoints in detecting the movement of potentially illegally sourced mineral resources, particularly when required permits and transportation documents cannot be presented.
The case remains under investigation, and any criminal liability of the arrested individuals will be determined based on the evidence gathered and the findings of the competent authorities.