MAASIM, Sarangani Province — October 8, 2026 — Joint police operatives confiscated approximately 2,035 kilograms of suspected sodium cyanide valued at ₱1.92 million during a surveillance operation in Maasim, Sarangani Province, on October 7, raising concerns over the potential environmental damage posed by the transport of hazardous substances in the coastal province.
The operation was conducted at around 10:30 p.m. by personnel of the Regional Intelligence Division 12 (RID 12) Team Alpha, Maasim Municipal Law Enforcement Team, Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Sarangani Police Provincial Office (PIU/SPPO), and Regional Mobile Unit 12 (RMU 12).
Police said the operation followed information concerning the alleged possession and transportation of toxic and hazardous substances.
During surveillance, operatives observed a forward truck allegedly loaded with sodium cyanide near Tubong Beach Resort in Sitio Tampat, Barangay Tinoto, Maasim.
The operating team subsequently confiscated 32 sacks of the suspected chemical in the vicinity of the resort. The recovered material weighed approximately 2,035 kilograms and had an estimated market value of ₱1,920,000.
The confiscated items were brought to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Maasim for proper custody and disposition.
PNP Orders Tighter Inspections in Coastal Areas
Police Regional Office 12 Director Brigadier General Alan B. Manibog underscored the importance of swift police action and coordination in addressing activities involving potentially hazardous substances.
Manibog has directed all PNP units, particularly those operating in coastal areas, to strengthen inspections of vehicles passing through checkpoints manned by public safety mobile forces.
The entire region was also placed on alert to prevent the transportation of hazardous substances that could threaten marine ecosystems, particularly the coral reefs and reef fish of Sarangani Bay.
“Ang kaligtasan ng ating mga komunidad ay pangunahing konsiderasyon sa ganitong mga operasyon. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating intelligence gathering at koordinasyon sa mga kinauukulang ahensya upang matiyak na ang mga mapanganib na substance ay hindi basta-basta naitatago, naipapasa, o naihahatid nang walang kaukulang awtorisasyon,” Manibog said.
His statement highlighted the need for stronger intelligence gathering and closer coordination among law enforcement and regulatory agencies to prevent the unauthorized storage, transfer, or transportation of potentially dangerous chemicals.
Potential Threat to Sarangani Bay’s Marine Ecosystem
The operation has drawn attention to the environmental risks associated with the movement of toxic chemicals in a province whose coastal waters support marine life and fishing activities.
Sarangani Bay is an important coastal ecosystem, and its coral reefs and reef fish are among the resources that authorities seek to protect through tighter enforcement and monitoring.
Sodium cyanide is a highly toxic chemical that can pose serious risks to aquatic organisms if released into the environment. Its handling, storage, and transportation require appropriate precautions to prevent exposure and contamination.
Authorities have not disclosed the intended destination of the seized material, the identity of the individuals responsible for its possession or transportation, or whether any arrests were made in connection with the operation. The available report also does not establish whether the substance underwent laboratory testing to confirm its identity.
The confiscation and turnover to MENRO Maasim mark the immediate enforcement response, while further investigation would be needed to establish the circumstances surrounding the shipment and determine whether any laws or regulations were violated.
The PNP said it would continue strengthening intelligence operations, checkpoint inspections, and inter-agency coordination to prevent the unauthorized movement of hazardous substances and protect communities and marine resources across Sarangani Province.