Authorities arrested two people for allegedly transporting suspected copper ore illegally at a checkpoint in Barangay Dalipuga, Iligan City.

According to the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10), personnel of the Iligan City Police Office and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Northern Mindanao (DENR-10) flagged a wing van truck down along the highway due to an improvised front plate number.

The driver and his helper reportedly declared the cargo as “rice hull.”

However, upon inspection, the vehicle was found to be transporting sacks of suspected copper ore.

They also failed to present the necessary permits, prompting authorities to arrest them.

The driver and his helper are both residents of Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur.

PRO-10 said the suspected copper ore originated from Molave, Zamboanga del Sur and was bound for Cagayan de Oro City.

Seized during the operation were the truck and around 400 sacks of suspected copper ore worth around P200,000.

The driver and his helper may face charges for violation of the Philippine Mining Act (RA 7942).

“Police Regional Office 10 will stay resolute in enforcing laws that safeguard our environment and natural resources. Through strong inter-agency collaboration, we will continue to pursue those who violate environmental laws and ensure that offenders are held accountable,” PRO-10 Director, Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano, said.