Police intercept explosive chemical in Zamboanga del Norte

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines   - Alerted police personnel tracked down and intercepted two plastic bags of chemical explosives attempted to be slipped in to a bus terminal in Sindangan town, Zamboanga del Norte, an official said Thursday.

The official said the local police of Sindangan town initially received information from their agent that suspicious powder was being transported by a female courier on a passenger bus plying the Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte to Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay Monday.

Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesman of Police Regional Office 9 (PRO), said police forces were immediately alerted and tracked down the chemical explosive that was later identified as potassium nitrate at the bus terminal in Sindangan town.

Police investigation disclosed that nine kilos of chemical explosives were contained in two plastic bags being transported by an unidentified female passenger.

Police Inspector Rochel Galo, who led the operation of the Sindangan Police Station, disclosed the suspected courier boarded the bus at Barangay Galas, Dipolog City and disembarked at Dohinob, Roxas town after requesting the driver of the bus with body number 10413 to  transport  the chemical powder to Ipil town with P20 freight fee.

Huesca said the police were conducting further investigation to determine the use of the intercepted explosive chemical and the motive of delivering it to Ipil town, capital of Zamboanga Sibugay province which celebrated its 13th founding anniversary with a three-day festivity that started Monday.

Police and military forces in the province have been alerted  to monitor possible bombing attack by a still unidentified group.