Authorities seized suspected mineral ores worth around P10 million at a checkpoint in San Fernando, Bukidnon on Friday, November 7, 2025.

Police officers intercepted a truck loaded with around 500 sacks of suspected mineral ores reportedly being transported to Tagum City, Davao del Norte from Barangay Dao, San Fernando.

According to the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10), the area in Barangay Dao was linked previously to illegal mining operations.

Police said the truck driver only presented a sand and gravel permit, prompting authorities to inspect the cargo further. The cargo was confirmed later to be minerals extracted illegally.

PRO-10 said the driver failed to present legal documents for the transport of the ores.

The items seized were turned over to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) while charges against the driver are being prepared, as of this writing.

“Ang walang humpay na kampanya ng PRO10 laban sa illegal mining ay patunay ng aming matibay na paninindigan para sa batas at sa kalikasan. Hindi kami titigil hangga’t may nananamantala sa likas na yaman ng ating rehiyon,” PRO-10 Director, Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano, said.