Bomb-making components seized in Davao del Norte

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) - Police have seized over a hundred sticks of dynamite and other bomb-making components in southern Philippines over the weekend, authorities said on Monday.

Some 145 sticks of the industrial explosive and three bags of fertilizer ingredient ammonium nitrate were confiscated during a raid at two houses in Magugpo East village, Tagum City, in Mindanao's Davao del Norte, some 55 kilometers north of Davao City, said Senior Superintendent Samuel Gadingan, Davao del Norte police chief.

Gadingan said a 39-year old woman identified as Madelyn Cantabaco, and another male companion were also arrested during the bust operation on Saturday.

Lawmen also recovered some 1,100 blasting caps, several meters of safety fuse and  cash during the operation.

the police officer said investigations were now being conducted to identify the suspects' possible clients.

Dynamites are being used in blasting mine shafts in gold-rich areas in southern Philippines, but the leftist New People's Army is also known for using dynamite components in making improvised explosive devices.