Authorities arrested 12 men for allegedly transporting sacks of minerals without legal documents in Manticao, Misamis Oriental.

Police launched the operation after receiving information about the hauling activity involving sacks of minerals near a cemetery in Barangay Limunda, Manticao.

The suspects were arrested on board several vehicles loaded with up to 133 sacks of minerals.

Police added that the suspects failed to present the documents required that authorized them to transport minerals.

The suspects are residents of Misamis Oriental and Davao de Oro.

They are facing charges for alleged violation of the Philippine Mining Act.

“We will continue to intensify our efforts to ensure that illegal mining activities are eradicated, and those involved are held accountable. I urge everyone to immediately inform the authorities if they know any illegal mining activities in their locality,” Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Director, Brigadier General Jaysen De Guzman, said.