Authorities seize explosive materials in Sulu
By QUEENIE B. CASIMIRO, ABS-CBN NEWS ZAMBOANGA | 04/10/2009 8:40 PM
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Joint operatives of the 3rd Marine Brigade and Jolo police confiscated various explosive materials from a residence in Jolo town Friday.
Col Eugenio Clemen, 3rd Marine Brigade commander, said the raiding units recovered 14 sacks of ammonium nitrate, 3,582 blasting caps, one caliber .40 handgun, two magazines with 10 rounds of ammunition and P80,000 in cash from the residence of Hadji Aring Akamad at Serrantes Streetin Chinese Pier in Jolo town past noon Friday.
The confiscated items were brought to the Marine brigade's headquarters.
The owner of the house however reportedly has escaped and left Jolo, allegedly three days ago.
Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim, Sulu police chief, said they are now conducting an investigation on the identity of Akamad and his possible affiliation with any armed group.
"We will file the case (of illegal possession of explosives) against him as soon as the evidence are turned over to us by the Marines," Kasim said.
Kasim said, there is a huge possibility that the explosives are not merely for dynamite fishing but for the manufacture of improvised explosive devices.
The raid was conducted reportedly following information received by the Marines that explosive materials are being kept in Akamad's house.
