IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — Authorities intercepted a truck transporting suspected copper ore on Monday, December 22, in what appears to be a case of illegal mineral transport using falsified documents.
The green wing van truck was stopped at around 1:20 p.m., and inspection revealed tampering in the cargo’s documentation.
Officials immediately coordinated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for verification.
The cargo, officially declared as “rice hull,” was found to contain sacks of materials believed to be copper ore, reportedly sourced from Zamboanga Sibugay.
An on-site inventory of the cargo was conducted following standard protocol. The truck and its contents were then escorted to Cagayan de Oro City for formal turnover and detailed inspection under the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
The driver was not placed under arrest but has been ordered to appear before an MGB adjudication hearing, where possible violations of mining and environmental regulations will be determined.
Authorities emphasized that the interception is part of the government’s intensified crackdown on illegal mining and the illicit transport of mineral resources—activities that result in lost revenue for the state and pose significant environmental hazards.
“This operation underscores our commitment to safeguard the country’s mineral resources and protect the environment from unlawful exploitation,” an official said.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau continues to monitor transport routes in Mindanao, aiming to prevent the illegal movement of minerals under falsified declarations.
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