The Philippine National Police (PNP) has uncovered a suspected mineral smuggling operation after recovering an abandoned Wing Van loaded with about 500 sacks of suspected copper-bearing mineral ore worth an estimated P2.5 million in Timoga, Barangay Buru-un, Iligan City on 27 July.

The discovery came after concerned residents reported seeing unidentified individuals attempting to forcibly open the rear compartment of the blue-and-silver Wing Van and remove its cargo.

A joint team composed of personnel from the City Intelligence Unit of the Iligan City Police Office, other operating units of the Iligan police, PNP personnel deputized by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, other PNP intelligence units and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 10–Community Environment and Natural Resources Office Iligan responded and inspected the vehicle.

Authorities found approximately 500 sacks of suspected copper-bearing mineral ore inside the abandoned truck. The shipment was estimated to have a market value of P2.5 million.