The nine people, including two members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), were arrested after being caught carrying mineral ore in Opol, Misamis Oriental early Monday morning.
According to police, the arrest took place around 2:30 a.m. and a checkpoint in Barangay Limonda. Authorities stopped two pick-up trucks after receiving a report that they were loaded with mineral ore.
The two soldiers were identified as S/Sgts. Norman Sedrome (47) and Ernesto Warain Jr. (46). 60 sacks of unprocessed minerals estimated to be worth P300,000 were discovered in the vehicles. They will be charged with violation of Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
