Authorities in Lanao del Norte confiscated approximately P5.3 million worth of mineral ores during a series of checkpoint operations that began with a routine seat belt violation, the police reported on Monday, May 25, 2026.
Initial Checkpoint Discovery
According to the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, at around 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 24, a joint team of police and military personnel flagged down a truck for violating the Seat Belts Use Act of 1999. The truck was driven by alias Poldo, 47, a resident of Valencia City, Bukidnon, and accompanied by a 33-year-old helper from Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
Upon inspection, authorities found the truck carrying 546 sacks of alleged ore minerals with an estimated market value of P1.7 million. The driver failed to present legal transport documents for the cargo.
Follow-Up Operation
Acting on intelligence reports, law enforcement launched additional checkpoint operations around 10:30 a.m. that same day. Two more trucks were stopped, driven by alias Mer, 32, and alias Bert, 33. Both drivers were issued citation tickets for seat belt violations.
Further inspection revealed that both vehicles were carrying a total of 1,110 sacks of alleged ore minerals, valued at an estimated P3.6 million. Once again, the drivers failed to present legal documents authorizing the transport of the mineral cargo.
Total Seizure
In total, authorities confiscated three trucks and 1,674 sacks of ore minerals, with a combined estimated value of P5.3 million. All drivers and truck personnel were brought to the Kapatagan Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition. The confiscated vehicles and mineral cargo are currently under the custody of the Lanao del Norte 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, pending megascopic analysis and examination by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.
Commendation and Commitment
Police Colonel Leo De Leon Sua, Lanao del Norte police director, commended the operating personnel for their dedication and professionalism. "This successful interception demonstrates the effectiveness of our intensified checkpoint operations and close coordination with partner agencies," Sua said. "We remain committed to preventing the illegal transport and exploitation of mineral resources, holding accountable those who violate the law, and safeguarding the environment for future generations." He added that they will continue to strengthen intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency collaboration to ensure that all mineral transport activities within the province comply with legal requirements.
