ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Twenty sacks of chemicals used in making improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were seized from a motor boat here yesterday.
Chief Inspector Alrashid Tulawie, chief of the 101st Maritime police, said the sacks of ammonium nitrate weighing 25 kilos each were seized from F/V Radiya.
Five men identified as alleged boat operator Kadoh Kahamkam, and crewmembers Mastal Malsani, Jinali Marosali, Ismol Malsani and Makamil Malan were arrested following a brief chase in the waters off Barangay Taluksangay.
The boat was cornered in the mangrove area of the village.
Tulawie said the suspects have been placed under surveillance following reports that they were trading chemicals used in making IEDs.
The suspects reportedly sourced their supply of ammonium nitrate from Bangingi Island in Sulu.