29/10/2026
CIDG COLLARS 2 CHINESE FOR ILLEGAL TRANSPORT OF 47 TONS OF COPPER ORE IN CEBU CITY
On October 28, 2026 at around 11:01 AM, the CIDG Mandaue City Field Unit together with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of DENR Region VII and Metro Cebu City Intelligence Team, Regional Intelligence Unit 7, in coordination with Cebu Port Authority Port Police, PNP Regional Maritime Unit 7, Tinago Sub-Station of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG),and Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and territorial police unit conducted a law enforcement operation - OPLAN KALIKASAN against violations of Republic Act No. 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995) at Pier 4, Barangay Tejero, Cebu City that resulted in the arrest of two male Chinese nationals, and the confiscation of two units of 10-wheeler wing van containing a total of more or less 47,040 kilograms or 47 tons unprocessed copper ores - with estimated aggregate value of P1,500,000.00.
The arrested Chinese suspects identified as “Kui”, 55 years old from Tagum City, Davao Del Norte, and “Sheng”, 45 years old from Makati City, who are onboard the vans, respectively, were caught while transporting the unprocessed copper ore without a valid Ore Transport Permits (OTPs) as issued by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region VII.
During the interception, the suspects presented Ore Transport Permits (OTPs). However, upon MGB’s verification, it was revealed that the OTPs presented were falsified or counterfeited, rendering the transportation illegal.
The operation stemmed from the request of the MGB for CIDG’s investigative and law enforcement assistance on the illegal transport of the minerals.
The Director of CIDG emphasized that pursuant to Republic Act No. 7942, all mineral resources in public and private lands within the territory and exclusive economic zone of the Republic of the Philippines are owned by the State. He added that the State promotes their rational exploration, development, utilization and conservation through the combined efforts of government and the private sector in order to enhance national growth in a way that effectively safeguards the environment and protects the rights of affected communities.
Pursuant to Section 53 of Republic Act No. 7942, a valid One Transport Permit (OTP) is strictly required to transport non-processed mineral ores. Presenting a fake or tampered OTP means the transport is legally undocumented. Under the law, the absence of a valid permit serves as sufficient evidence of illegal mining. This grants the government immediate authority to arrest the individuals involved and confiscate the entire shipment of copper ore.
The CIDG leadership lauds PCOL Rosell DM Encarnacion, the Regional Chief of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 7 and the CIDG Mandaue City Field Unit led by PMAJ Melvin S Mangahas for intercepting the undocumented copper ores, and arrest of the violators of the law. The accomplishment underscores the CIDG’s commitment in protecting the environment and natural resources in Central Visayas and across the country.
The CIDG assures the public that it is steadfast and uncompromising in enforcing all laws nationwide, and urges citizens to report all illegal activities in their localities and the CIDG will take immediate action.
