The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., arrested a 62-year-old Chinese national following a hot pursuit operation after he allegedly breached a police checkpoint in Lanao del Norte and was intercepted in Iligan City on June 16, 2026. Authorities also recovered 21 sacks of alleged illegally transported mineral ores valued at approximately P105,000.
The operation began when personnel of the 3rd Mobile Force Platoon, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office flagged down a black pickup truck during a routine checkpoint in Barangay Samburon, Linamon. Instead of complying with inspection procedures, the driver allegedly refused to present a driver’s license and vehicle registration and sped away.
Police units immediately launched a hot pursuit operation and coordinated with counterparts in Iligan City, resulting in the interception of the vehicle along Balite Drive Extension in Barangay Suarez. Upon inspection, authorities discovered 21 sacks of mineral ores weighing about 840 kilograms.
The suspect failed to present legal documents authorizing the transport of the minerals and was arrested for violation of Section 53 of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. The seized items were turned over to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office 10 for verification.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operation underscores strict enforcement of checkpoint protocols and accountability for violations.
“This operation demonstrates that evading a lawful checkpoint will only lead to greater accountability,” he said.
“Hindi kami titigil sa pagpapatupad ng batas. Kapag may paglabag, aasahan ng publiko na kikilos ang PNP,” he added.
The PNP said the operation aligns with its Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, and reflects its continued campaign against environmental and resource-related crimes under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The agency reiterated its commitment to protect the country’s natural resources and enforce environmental laws under the guiding principle: “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”