photo: CIDG
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested two Koreans and nine Filipinos after they were caught transporting 500 sacks of suspected copper ore minerals in Butuan City.
CIDG director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said the foreigners and their alleged Filipino cohorts were collared after they failed to present documents proving that the copper ore have necessary mining permits.
“They are transporting the minerals without the necessary mining rights, permits, or agreements from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and other proper authorities, thus, illegal,” said Torre.
Nabbed in Barangay San Vicente on March 21 were Koreans Joung Whan Oh and Young Gwan Mun; and, certain John, Jenalyn, Herbert, Jenie, Noel, Macky, Beth, Marvin, and Elmer.
Torre said the confiscated products have an estimated total market value of P700,000 loaded in a Hyundai trailer truck and a KIA Bongo vehicle.
Also seized during the operation were mining tools, testing solutions, and other related materials used in illegal mineral extraction.
Torre said the arrested suspects will be charged before the National Prosecution Service with violations of Sections 101 (Illegal Exploration), 103 (Theft of Minerals), and 110 (Transporting Minerals Without a Permit) in relation to Section 53 of Republic Act No. 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995).