Authorities arrested three people and seized sacks alleged illegal mineral ores worth nearly P7 million in Misamis Oriental.

According to the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10), police officers and members of the Task Force Kalikasan ug Kalinaw launched the operation after receiving information regarding the alleged illegal mining activities in Barangay Limonda, Opol town.

A certain alias “Jimmy,” 33, a resident of Trento, Agusan del Sur, was arrested and up to 865 sacks of alleged unprocessed mineral ores worth around P6.9 million were confiscated.

After the operation, the task force hired a dump truck to transport the seized mineral ores to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-10).

However, the dump truck reportedly separated from the convoy while en route to Manticao town.

The operating team coordinated with the Manticao Municipal Police Station to set up a checkpoint, which led to the interception of the fleeing vehicle and the arrest of its driver and his helper, both residents of Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

"Our law enforcement efforts extend beyond maintaining peace and order, they also include protecting the environment from unlawful exploitation. PRO10 will continue to support the enforcement of environmental laws through sustained intelligence-driven operations and close coordination with our partner agencies," PRO-10 Director, Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano, said.