ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines – Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group 9 (CIDG) apprehended a big shipment of bomb materials during an intelligence-driven operation in this city, according to an official yesterday.
Senior Superintendent Edwin Diocos, CIDG 9 director said his operatives also arrested the driver of the truck where the contraband was loaded when it was intercepted in Barangay Sta. Catalina at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Diocos said among the bomb materials recovered were 12 sacks of potassium nitrate and potassium chloride, 25 gallons of unidentified chemical, five roles of detonating cord and two roles of time fuse.
He said the arrested truck driver identified as Jaime Sahibuddin had identified three personalities which reportedly contracted him to deliver the contraband to an undisclosed place in this city.
“A case of illegal possession of explosives have been filed in court against the driver and the three other suspects who were at large,” Diocos said.
However, Diocos, appeared to be convinced the driver was just hired in good faith and has no knowledge on the identities of the shipper and consignee of the explosives.
The recovery of the explosives came barely an hour when explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) elements recovered a powerful homemade bomb that was planted near the resthouse of Anak Mindanao party-list Rep. Mujiv Hataman in Barangay Lanzones.