Authorities arrested three people and seized suspected mineral ores worth around P5.3 million in separate operations in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.

Personnel of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company intercepted a wing van truck during a surprise checkpoint in Barangay Butadon on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

The vehicle was stopped when the driver was reportedly not wearing a seat belt.

During inspection, authorities found up to 546 sacks of suspected copper ores worth around P1.7 million.

“From Mahayag, Zambonga del Sur ang ilang direksyon paingon sa Cagayan de Oro City and sa pag-inspect sa atong kapulisan sa mga kargamento nga ilang gidala wala sila’y mapakita nga any papers sa ilahang gikarga,” Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Spokesperson, Major Joann Navarro, said.

Later, police intercepted another wing van truck after receiving information that a vehicle is attempting to smuggle mineral ores.

Around 1,100 sacks of suspected copper ores worth P3.6 million were found during the inspection.

The driver and his helper were arrested after they reportedly failed to present documents.

“Padayun ang investigation sa atoang kapulisan sa katung mga anaa gyud sa luyo niining maong pagkarga og mga mineral ore nga dili pinasubay sa balaod ug walay mga papeles,” Navarro added.