Two Korean nationals and nine Filipinos were arrested for allegedly transporting minerals illegally in Butuan City.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Caraga (CIDG-13) said the two Koreans are residents of Cagayan de Oro City while the others are residents of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte, and Butuan City.

CIDG-13 launched the operation after receiving information about the alleged illegal transport of minerals.

During the operation, authorities intercepted the suspects’ vehicles loaded with around 500 sacks of suspected copper ore minerals worth around P700,000.

CIDG-13 said the suspects presented an expired ore transport permit that the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Caraga (MGB-13) confirmed later as a forged document.

The suspects also have no mining rights and other permits.

Also seized during the operation were mining tools, testing solutions, and other materials used in illegal extraction of minerals.

The suspects are facing charges for alleged illegal exploration, theft of minerals, and transportation of minerals without permit in relation to the Philippine Mining Act (RA 7942).

“We urge the public to report all violations and illegal activities concerning our environment such as illegal fishing, illegal mining , illegal quarrying, illegal logging and related environmental crimes, and your CIDG will do the rest,” CIDG Director, Major General Nicolas Torre III, said.