Missing seatbelt uncovers P1.75-M in alleged illegal mineral ores

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A routine traffic stop for a missing seatbelt led to the discovery of alleged illegal mineral ores worth P1.75 million in Linamon, Lanao del Norte, on Wednesday.

Maj. Joann Navarro, Police Regional Office-10 (PRO-10) spokesperson, said two suspects were arrested after a Hino wing van transporting the mineral ores was flagged down at a checkpoint manned by personnel from the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company  (PMFC) in Barangay Samburon at around 11:45 a.m.

What began as a standard inspection led to the discovery of the undocumented minerals.

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READ: Seatbelt stop leads to P7.2-M ‘smuggled’ cigarettes bust in Lanao

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The driver, identified by police as 25-year-old “Rick” from Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, was caught driving without a seatbelt and failed to produce a valid driver’s license.

Police also noted an unauthorized paint job on the truck, which had been repainted blue instead of its registered white.

After issuing a Temporary Operator’s Permit and impounding the vehicle, police searched the cargo hold and discovered 350 sacks of alleged illegal mineral ores.

“Rick” and his 20-year-old passenger, “Mark” from Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, could not present any legal documents authorizing the transport of the minerals.

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Navarro said the cargo was loaded in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, and was en route to Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

The two suspects are now detained at the Linamon Municipal Police Station and facing charges for violating Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

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Following the discovery, the operating unit immediately coordinated with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Region 10.

READ: Alleged illegal copper ores worth P600,000 seized in Agusan Norte

“The confiscated minerals are currently under the custody of the 1st PMFC for safekeeping pending a megascopic analysis by the MGB,” Navarro said.

PRO-10 director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano commended the operatives, warning that the regional command will not tolerate environmental crimes.

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“Illegal mining is a direct threat to our environment, our communities, and the rule of law. PRO-10 will relentlessly intensify its operations against individuals and groups engaged in these unlawful activities,” Abrahano said./coa