Charges filed vs. explosive dealers

Two charges have been filed by the National Bureau of Investigation against the suspected explosive dealers who were caught in possession of ammonium nitrate and blasting caps in Caubian Island, Lapu-Lapu City last Monday.

The NBI yesterday filed charges for violations of Section 88 of the Republic Act 8550 otherwise known as the Fisheries Code of the Philippines and Section 3 of Presidential Decree 1866 otherwise known as unlawful possession of explosives against Virgilio Amorin Sr., his son Virgilio Jr., Reynaldo Lumapas and a 14-year-old minor before the Lapu-Lapu City Prosecutor's Office.

The NBI filed the same charges against Marcela Amorin who was able to escape during a raid last Monday morning.

Six teams of NBI operatives swooped down Caubian Island last Monday to simultaneously implement the search warrants issued by judge Geraldine Faith Econg of the Lapu-Lapu City Regional Trial Court against Virgilio Amorin Sr., Delfin Amorin, Marcela Amorin, Roberto Lumapas, Reynaldo Lumapas and Richard Otara for violation of the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.

Three of the six subjects were found positive of ammonium nitrate, an explosive ingredient, and several blasting caps. The NBI operatives found two sacks of ammonium nitrate and several blasting caps in the house of Marcela, several packs ready for distribution were also found in the houses of Virgilio Amorin, Sr. 59, and Reynaldo Lumapas, 41.

Marcela was not around during the raid but Virgilio Jr., 28, and the minor were arrested inside her house.

The operation stemmed from a complaint filed by Antonio Oposa, commander of the Visayan Sea Squadron, for alleged violations of the fisheries code. However, the NBI found out that the suspects also committed another violation because they are not licensed dealers of ammonium nitrate based on a certification issued by the Firearms and Explosives, Security and Guards Supervision Section of the Philippine National Police. - Fred P. Languido