Photo courtesy of PNP
Police and environment officials uncovered a suspected mineral smuggling operation after finding an abandoned truck loaded with copper-bearing ore in Iligan City.
The vehicle was discovered in Timoga, Barangay Buru-un, on July 27 after residents reported seeing unidentified people trying to force open its rear compartment and remove the cargo.
A joint team from the Iligan City Police Office, the Philippine National Police, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources inspected the truck.
Authorities found about 500 sacks of suspected copper ore with an estimated market value of Php 2.5 million.
No driver or claimant was found at the site, while investigators said no travel permit or other required documents covering the shipment were presented.
Representatives from DENR Region 10 and an MGB-deputized police officer confirmed that the cargo appeared to contain copper-bearing mineral ore.
The sacks and the abandoned truck were inventoried in the presence of witnesses before they were turned over to the DENR and MGB for custody, documentation and further examination.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said authorities would continue pursuing those behind the illegal transport of mineral resources and strengthen coordination with partner agencies in enforcing environmental laws.
