Alleged explosives suppliers for Bataan fishermen nabbed

BALANGA CITY, Philippines – Police authorities here have arrested three suspected suppliers of explosives to Bataan and Zambales fishermen for allegedly possessing blasting caps with time fuse and more than 100 kilos of ammonium nitrate worth P100,000 in a rented apartment in Banzon St. Barangay Ibayo, this City, on Sunday evening.

Superintendent Benjamin Silo, Jr. Balanga City police chief, identified the suspected dealers as Nilda Francisco, 52; and her elder brother Miguel, 54; and Angelito Alcantara, 49; alleged live-in partner of Francisco, all reportedly residents of Tanza, Cavite.

Police teams led by Inspectors Dennis Orbista and Ronnie Fabia served the Search Warrant no. 329-09 issued by Judge Manuel Tan of the Bataan Regional Trial Court Branch 2 when an informant reportedly tipped-off the arrival of several cartons loaded with blasting caps and explosive materials.

Police found 4,140 pieces of non-electric improvised blasting caps with time fuse and more or less 100 kilos of ammonium nitrate kept in a locked room of Ilaya Apartment when the team came at about 10:30 p.m. Sunday.

The suspects reportedly supplied improvised explosives to dynamite fishers in the towns of Bagac,Orion and Limay in Bataan and Olongapo City , Subic, San Antonio and Iba, all in Zambales province. – Raffy Viray