Authorities seized alleged copper-bearing mineral ore worth around P2.5 million at a checkpoint on the national highway in Barangay Dalipuga, Iligan City.

Personnel of the Iligan City Mobile Force Company and other police units, in coordination with deputized personnel from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), intercepted a wing van truck suspected of carrying illegal cargo.

The truck was driven by a certain “Tope,” 48, a resident of Cagayan de Oro City, along with three helpers who are residents of Bukidnon, Camarines Norte, and Zamboanga del Norte.

Upon inspection, authorities found around 500 sacks of suspected copper-bearing mineral ore allegedly sourced from illegal mining activities.

The cargo was reportedly misdeclared as scrap materials and was transported without the required documents.

Based on investigation, the mineral orescame from Zamboanga Sibugay and was supposed to be delivered to Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

MGB is verifying the supposed export permit the group claimed to have possessed.

Police added that the truck used was hired to transport the cargo and that the driver reportedly had no knowledge that the cargo contained mineral ore.

The confiscated mineral ore and the vehicle were turned over to the MGB-Northern Mindanao.

“This successful interception highlights PRO10’s firm resolve to combat illegal mining activities that threaten our environment and undermine the rule of law. We will continue to strengthen our coordination with partner agencies to protect our natural resources and ensure that those who violate the law are held accountable,” Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Director, Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano, said.