ILLEGAL TRANSPORT OF MINERAL ORES INTERCEPTED IN BENGUET
Two individuals are now facing charges for Violation of RA 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 after they were arrested for transporting mineral ores in Benguet on March 7, 2022.
According to the reports submitted to PROCOR Regional Director, PBGEN RONALD OLIVER LEE, the arrested suspects were identified as Mariel Poyoc Piglay, 34 years old & a resident of La Trinidad, Benguet, and Layson Jay Cabacaba Ligutan, 19 years old & a resident of Capoocan, Leyte.
According to Atok MPS, they received a request for police assistance from Engr. Dino Sab-it of CENRO Buguias.
Accordingly, Engr. Sab-it received information from a concerned citizen that a vehicle on standby at Km. 21 Caliking, Atok, Benguet was loaded with suspected mineral ores.
Personnel of Atok MPS together with the team from CENRO Buguias proceeded to the reported place and noticed the vehicle described in the information.
Upon verification, 470 sacks of suspected Mineral Ores were discovered from the vehicle.
The incident prompted the police officers to effect the arrest against the suspects for violation of Section 53 (Ore Transport Permit) of RA 7942.
The arrested suspects and the seized pieces of evidence are now under the custody of Atok MPS for proper disposition and documentation. (PROCOR-PIO)
