Authorities seize P1-M ‘illegal’ mineral ores in Zamboanga del Sur

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – Environment and police authorities intercepted over P1 million worth of alleged illegal mineral ores in separate law enforcement operations in Barangay Dulop, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur since last week, police reported Wednesday.

In the latest operation at around 2:50 p.m. on Tuesday, a joint team intercepted a 10-wheeler truck carrying about 300 sacks of mineral ores alongside 34 sacks of rice hull.

Police Capt. Derf Jay Maquinta, spokesperson for the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZSPPO), said the truck was carrying roughly 15,000 kilograms of mineral ores valued at an estimated P535,000.

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READ: Cargo van with illegal mineral ore seized in Zamboanga del Norte

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The truck driver abandoned the vehicle at the scene and fled on foot as security forces and environment officers approached, Maquinta added.

Deputized personnel from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region-9 (MGB-9) confirmed the cargo contained mineral resources after initial inspection.

Authorities turned over the seized vehicle and cargo to Task Force PENRO-Zamboanga del Sur before their transfer to MGB-9 for proper legal disposition.

They intercepted the cargo just days after authorities discovered another stash of illegal minerals in the same village.

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At around 12:50 p.m. on Oct. 31, operating teams recovered 379 sacks of abandoned raw minerals weighing approximately 18,950 kilograms at Purok 7, also in Barangay Dulop. The seized minerals had an estimated market value of at least P500,000.

Authorities turned over the abandoned raw minerals to Task Force PENRO-Zamboanga del Sur in Barangay Dao, Pagadian City.

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Different provincial and municipal police units coordinated with environmental authorities./coa