125 sacks of explosive chemicals seized from motor banca off Palawan — PCG

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday said a motor banca carrying 125 sacks of ammonium nitrate was intercepted at the waters off Malampaya Gas Platform near Palawan on Sunday.

In a statement, the PCG said it conducted joint law enforcement operations with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources .

The BRP Cabra (MRRV-4009) sighted M/B Escario Express A proceeding towards Malampaya Gas Platform during its patrol.

When BRP Cabra approached the Escario Express A, the boat started to speed up and immediately fled the area, according to the PCG.

“After the hot pursuit that lasted for more than 25 minutes, said motorbanca was intercepted by the PCG - BFAR joint law enforcement operatives,” the PCG said.

“The PCG K9 unit joined the boarding inspection and found sacks of ammonium nitrate,” it added.

According to PCG, ammonium nitrate is a chemical compound used in making explosives.

At least four boxes of smuggled cigarettes were also found in the boat.

Authorities  said the boat had no necessary documents, which is a violation for “Master’s Failure to Accomplished Master’s Declaration of Safe Departure “ and “Leaving Port Without PCG Clearance.”

Aside from these, the PCG said the motor banca also violated the "Unlawful Manufacture, Sales, Acquisition, Disposition, Importation or Possession of an Explosive or Incendiary Device" for its failure to present a license for the possession of a huge quantity of the chemical.

“As of today, 08 July 2021, the subject motor banca with five crew members on board is docked at El Nido Port under the custody of the PCG Station El Nido pending further investigation,” the PCG said. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News