Two police officers and four civilians were arrested at a checkpoint in Opol, Misamis Oriental after they allegedly tried to transport suspected mineral ores.

The suspects were intercepted at a checkpoint set up by the police in Barangay Limonda.

Based on investigation, the suspects allegedly attempted to transport sacks of suspected mineral ores believed to have been extracted illegally from the upland areas of Opol.

The suspects reportedly failed to present documents for the cargo.

“Ang maong L300 Van nagsakay pud kini og 6 kabuok ka mga pasahero apil na ang driver niini diin sa pakigsusi sa atong kapulisan, gawas sa 6 kabuok ka mga indibidwal, duha kabuok niana ang myembro sa PNP nga na-assign sa Police Regional Office 11,” Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Spokesperson, Major Joann Navarro, said.

The two police officers are assigned in Davao de Oro while the four others are residents of Zamboanga del Sur, Davao de Oro, and Bislig City in Surigao del Sur.

Seized during the operation were up to 58 sacks of suspected mineral ores worth around P290,000.

Also confiscated from the two police officers were two pistols and ammunition.

“Naka-strategically deploy atoang kapulisan sa 1001ST Manuever, RMFB 10 sa area diha sa Limonda considering previously daghan na pud kita mga na checkpoint (diha),” Navarro added.

The suspects have yet to issue a statement, as of this writing. They will face charges for alleged violation of the Philippine Mining Act (RA 7942).

The two police officers will also face administrative charges.

“Nagpasabot kana nga we have zero tolerance when it comes to sa among kauban sa hanay nga ga-involve sa illegal nga activities pasabot niana we will not tolerate any member, any uniform personnel nga mu-involve sa mga illegal nga kalihukan,” Navarro said.

In a statement, the Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-11) condemned the alleged involvement of its two personnel in illegal activity.

PRO-11 said it is open to coordination and cooperation for the proper filing and processing of charges against the two officers.