P1.7-M alleged mineral ores seized in Lanao del Norte; 2 arrested

Authorities have arrested two people and seized alleged mineral ores worth more than P1.7 million during an anti-illegal mining operation in Barangay Samburon, Linamon, Lanao del Norte on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

According to the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10), personnel from the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company flagged down a wing van truck after the driver was found not wearing a seatbelt.

Police said the driver also reportedly failed to present a valid driver's license, and the vehicle was found to have undergone an unauthorized change of color.

A temporary operator's permit (TOP) was issued, and the vehicle was impounded.

During inspection, authorities discovered around 350 sacks of alleged mineral ores worth more than P1.7 million inside the vehicle.

The driver also failed to present document authorizing the transport of the cargo.

Based on investigation, the seized items allegedly came from Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur and were intended for delivery to Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

However, the truck was unable to cross Panguil Bridge after its cargo allegedly exceeded the allowable weight limit by over 30 tons.

The vehicle was then transported via barge from Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, to Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, before continuing its land journey until it was intercepted by authorities in Linamon, Lanao del Norte.

The arrested individuals were brought to the police station and will face charges for alleged violation of the Philipping Mining Act (RA 7942).

"Illegal mining poses a serious threat to our environment, our communities, and the rule of law. PRO10 will continue to intensify its operations against individuals and groups engaged in unlawful mining activities in close coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and our other partner agencies. We remain committed to ensuring that those found to have violated the law are held accountable through due process," said PRO-10 Director Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano. — GMA Regional TV