Two Chinese nationals nabbed

Two Chinese nationals were arrested in Cebu City after authorities allegedly caught them transporting 47,040 kilograms of copper ore without the required genuine permits.

The suspects, identified by the aliases Kui, 55, a resident of Tagum, and Sheng, 45, a resident of Makati, were arrested on 28 October at Pier 4 in Barangay Tejero, Cebu City.

Authorities said the two were found with two 10-wheel wing vans carrying a combined 47,040 kilograms of copper ore estimated to be worth P1.5 million.

An initial verification by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region 7 reportedly indicated that the permits presented for the transport of the mineral ore were counterfeit.

The operation involved the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), MGB personnel, intelligence operatives, port police, the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office and local police.

The arrests were carried out as part of Oplan Kalikasan, an enforcement initiative targeting alleged violations involving the environment and natural resources.