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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 31 December) — Two Army intelligence operations officers from Davao were linked to illegal mining operations in Misamis Oriental after they were arrested for escorting two pickup trucks laden with 60 sacks of gold ore worth ₱300,000 in Opol town on Monday.
Capt. Jhorlind Rico Apal, commander of the PNP Regional Mobile Force Battalion, reported that they intercepted the two pickup trucks—a JMC Grand Avenue (plate number ZAB 8446) and a Toyota Hilux (plate number MGH 811)—at a checkpoint in Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Limonda, Opol. Both vehicles were loaded with minerals allegedly transported from Barangay Limonda, a known hotspot for illegal mining.
The arrested Army operatives were identified as Staff Sergeant Norman Quilatan, 47, and Staff Sergeant Ernesto Warain Jr., 46, both from the Army Military Intelligence Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division based in Mawab, Davao de Oro. Authorities confiscated two Glock 17 Gen 4 pistols with magazines from them. Seven companions, including the drivers, were also arrested.
In October 2025, a joint operation by the PNP and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the DENR in Region 10 seized two Isuzu trucks and two hydraulic excavators in the same barangay. MGB 10 Director Rodante Felina stated they are probing allegations that local politicians in Misamis Oriental protect illegal gold mining activities in the area.
The suspects were detained at the Opol town jail and face charges under Section 53 of Republic Act 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995), which requires permits for transporting non-processed mineral ores. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)
