Firearms, explosives found in Samar, Bukidnon

An accidental explosion in a suspected dynamite manufacturing area led to the discovery of an estimated P3.5 million worth of explosives in the island town of San Antonio, Northern Samar, on Sunday.

In Lantapan, Bukidnon, the military recovered high-powered assault rifles, grenades and improvised explosive devices (IED) left behind by New People’s Army (NPA) members.

Northern Samar Police director Col. Arnel Apud led the operation, along with the Philippine Coast Guard, in a mountainous part of Barangay Burabod, where an explosion injured one person.

The recovered items are the primary components in making improvised dynamite used in illegal fishing.

Initial investigation showed the explosion was caused by a lighted cigarette thrown by the 22-year-old male victim at a bundle of detonating cords.

They recovered 34 kilos of explosives component trinitrotoluene (TNT), 25,000 pieces blasting caps and 3.5 meters of detonating cord with an estimated market value of P3.5 million.

The seized explosives and raw materials were brought to the municipal police station for documentation and turned over to Northern Samar Explosive Ordnance and Canine Unit for safekeeping and proper disposition.

“The recovered items are the primary components in making improvised dynamite used in illegal fishing,” Apud said.

“What is more significant is the fact we were able to seize P3.5 million worth of explosives that could be possibly used in destructing our marine ecosystem. Our investigation will continue, and we ensure that those found liable will face appropriate charges.”

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army Special Forces based in Camp Onahon, Malaybalay City, that were pursuing a group of NPA rebels at the foot of Mount Kitanglad found medical supplies, two AK-47, two M-30 carbines, two Garand rifles, an M203 Grenade launcher and IED.

Government troops also recovered subversive documents left behind by the undetermined numbers of rebels.

The rebels split into groups after encountering government forces in nearby Talakag town.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF NORTHERN SAMAR POLICE PHILIPPINE Army soldiers examine explosives and materials for dynamite recovered in San Vicente, Northern Samar.