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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Escort service': 2 cops in trouble for 'protecting' transport of illegally mined ore

'Escort service': 2 cops in trouble for 'protecting' transport of illegally mined ore

Published Apr 29, 2026 09:30 am

At A Glance

  • The two policemen were arrested along with four civilians at a checkpoint in Opol, Misamis Oriental
  • PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr, said he already ordered the immediate relief of the involved personnel and pointed to possible signs that police protection may have been used during the transport.
The seized sacks of mineral ore involving two policemen in Misamis Oriental: (photo: PNP)
The seized sacks of mineral ore involving two policemen in Misamis Oriental: (photo: PNP)
Two policemen are in deep trouble after they were caught transporting suspected illegal mineral ores with their four civilian cohorts at a checkpoint in Opol town of Misamis Oriental.
While the Philippine National Police (PNP) understands the need for some of their personnel to earn extra income, illegal activities such as illegal mining are certainly not included, according to Police Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr.
He said he already ordered the immediate relief of the involved personnel and pointed to possible signs that police protection may have been used during the transport.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy for rogue policemen. Aside from the criminal charges for violating the Mining Act, they will face immediate administrative cases for grave misconduct,” said Nartatez.
Based on the report, personnel of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion in Northern Mindanao (RMFB 10) were conducting a routine checkpoint in Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Limonda when they flagged down a white Isuzu L300 van with plate number MAZ 7819.
During the inspection, operatives saw sacks of suspected mineral ores in plain view behind the vehicle’s passenger seat. The occupants were unable to present documents authorizing the transport of the materials, prompting their arrest.
Seized during the operation were 58 sacks of alleged unprocessed mineral ores with an estimated value of P290,000, the Isuzu L300 vehicle reportedly owned by a resident of Toril, Davao City, two Glock 17 Gen4 pistols, four magazines, 60 rounds of 9mm ammunition, six mobile phones, and a jackhammer.
“We will not allow the uniform to be used for illegal activities. They are now under restrictive custody. I have ordered the Internal Affairs Service to fast-track their summary dismissal proceedings,” said Nartatez.
Nartatez said they are conducting a background check to see if there are other people involved in the illegal operation.
“Command responsibility is being reviewed. If there were lapses on the part of supervisors, they will also be held accountable. We will not tolerate this kind of activity. We will not let a few rotten apples tarnish the organization,” said Nartatez.

Related Tags

PNP Illegal mining Misamis Oriental
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