Cache of improvised explosives seized

CEBU, Philippines - Government operatives confiscated a cache of materials and ingredients used for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or dynamites in the coastal town of Culasi in Antique Wednesday evening.

Joint elements of the PNP Regional Intelligence Division-6, the Antique Police Provincial Office and the Philippine Army got the items abandoned at sitio Tagbao in Batbatan Island of this town.

Police accounted the recoveries to have reached 96 plastic gallon containers fashioned as IEDs, 10 sacks of ammonium nitrate (a fertilizer compound used in making explosive) weighing 25 kilos each and two plastic gallons with blasting caps.

Following the confiscation, police took in custody Barangay Councilman Alfredo Mateo and former Brgy. Chairman Edwin Telesporo of Batbatan Island. However, they were released after questioning.

Police believed the IEDs will be used for illegal fishing and will be transported to Palawan. (FREEMAN)