Two dump trucks loaded with suspected minerals were intercepted after allegedly evading a checkpoint in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.

Authorities said the trucks were allegedly transporting minerals from an illegal mining site in Barangay Limunda, Opol town.

However, the truck drivers and the operator reportedly evaded a spot inspection conducted by the Special Task Force Kalikasan ug Kalinaw of the provincial government and abandoned the vehicles at a vacant lot in Laguindingan.

The provincial government said it has received reports about the illegal mining operations in the area.

“Tulo ka adlaw nila ni gi-monitor kay sulod gawas karga diskarga ni nga minerals kay siguro makabantay. Ni ambak ang mga driver ug gibilin ang mga yabi,” Celso Abocejo, special assistant to the governor, said.

During inspection, authorities found sacks of suspected minerals.

At least 15 individuals, including a minor, were also held temporarily after they were believed to be involved in the illegal mining operation. However, they were released later after authorities failed to prove their involvement.

“Desidido si Governor nga himuong malinawon na nga lugar, e take over sa Task Force dayon i-proseso ang legal nga permit arun ma monitor ang komunidad ang mabulahan dayon naay buhis ang gobyerno,” Abocejo said.

The trucks and suspected minerals were turned over to the Misamis Oriental Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO).

Authorities are pursuing the drivers and the operator, as of this writing. They will likely face charges for violation of the Philippine Mining Act (RA 7942).