Pyrotechnics seized for being misdeclared cargo

Sixteen boxes of assorted pyrotechnics guised as “fiber products” were seized by police Friday just before they were shipped to Surigao on board a vessel of Cokaliong Shipping Lines.

Elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group went to the pier area after receiving a call from one of the ship crew of M/V Filipinas Dapitan that what was declared as “fiber products” were actually pyrotechnics.

The ship’s crew discovered the disguised boxes when they were about to load the cargoes unto the vessel. The Cokaliong management had refused to load the boxes because of the danger they posed to the passengers and the vessel itself.

Supt. Rex Derilo said the shipper, identified as Nicanor Narval of Surigao City, was not around when the boxes were discovered and did not show up, which prompted the police to bring the items to their office.

The police said transporting dangerous items such as pyrotechnics needs permits from the Firearms, Explosives, Security Agency, and Guards Supervisory Section of the city police.

The shipping firm’s owner, Chester Cokaliong, said in an interview he believes that the shipper’s name was fictitious after the shipper failed to show up to the shipping line’s office when the items were held, despite the fact that the cargo’s bill of lading has already been paid.

Cokaliong said it is their policy not to compromise the safety of their passengers and the vessel itself.

Cokaliong said he would give commendation to the crew member who reported the presence of the cargo for arriving at a good decision. — Edwin Ian Melecio/JMO