Two Chinese nationals were arrested after authorities seized 47,040 kilograms of suspected unprocessed copper ore worth about ₱1.5 million at Pier 4 in Barangay Tejero, Cebu City, on Oct. 28, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Region 7 said.
The suspects were identified by the aliases “Kui,” 55, from Davao del Norte, and “Sheng,” 45, from Makati City.
According to CIDG Region 7, the copper ore was loaded onto two 10-wheeler wing vans. The suspects were riding in separate vehicles while the mineral ore was being transported.
Authorities said the suspects presented ore transport permits that were later found to be falsified following verification by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 7.
The operation was conducted under Oplan Kalikasan after the MGB requested CIDG assistance to address the alleged illegal transportation of mineral ore.
The seized copper ore weighed 47,040 kilograms, or more than 47 metric tons, and was estimated to be worth ₱1.5 million.
The two Chinese nationals face charges related to alleged violations of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, along with other applicable charges.
The operation resulted in the seizure of the mineral ore and the arrest of the two suspects in Cebu City. CIDG officials said.
