‘Bomb’ materials seized

Materials for bomb-making or agriculture products?

Five people have been arrested by the agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for possession of chemicals that could be used in making bombs following a raid of a warehouse in Manila.

Senior Superintendent Francisco Don Montenegro, chief of the CIDG-National Capital Region, said the operation was part of government’s effort to deprive local terrorists of possible sources for ingredients in making explosives.

The raid was conducted by combined elements of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Navy intelligence security forces.

Seized during the raid were 1,194 blasting caps, ammonium nitrate placed in at least 21 boxes and 35 sacks, seven sacks of potassium nitrate and a 50-kilogram drum of sodium cyanide.

"While the ingredients are intended primarily for agriculture products such as a fertilizers, and for authorized mining operations, these (chemicals) can also be used for other purposes if they go to the wrong people," Montenegro said.

He said charges of illegal possession of explosives will be filed against the suspects identified as Benita Cruz, 54; Allan Agayon, 22; Louis Agayon; Juanito Ocampo and Nomerzano Galalan.

Last week, the government imposed an import ban om ammonium nitrate, saying terrorist groups have been using the chemical to build explosive devices.

They five were arrested last Monday in a buy-bust operation in Barangay 369, Blumentritt, Manila. Cruz is the dealer of regulated chemicals ammonium and potassium nitrate used by farmers. The others were her employees.

However, CIDG officials noted that the same type of ingredients were used in the May 17, 2000 bomb blast at the Glorietta Mall in Makati City; the May 21, 2000 blast at SM Megamall, and the bombs found at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Finance buildings.

According to Montenegro, Cruz has no permit to sell nitrate, potassium and sodium cyanide, which are considered by the PNP-Firearms and Explosives Division (FED) as regulated chemicals.

"The sale of these chemicals should be covered by necessary permits," FED chief Superintendent Gerry Barias said.

Police said Cruz has been selling these chemicals for the past two years without any permit, which is a violation of existing rules, regulations and policy.

Montenegro added that the raid was conducted by the CIDG shortly after a police agent was able to buy P3,000 worth of blasting caps.