Discovery of IED briefly affects trips to Puerto Princesa Underground River

Trips to world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River were briefly affected early Monday after an improvised explosive was found near a wharf leading to the tourist attraction.

 

Palawan police said a vendor found the improvised explosive at the wharf, from which tourist-carrying bancas head for the PPUR, radio dzBB's Palawan affiliate James Viernes reported.

 

An initial investigation showed the explosive was wrapped in packaging tape. The vendor reported the bomb to police, who "neutralized" it via controlled detonation.

 

In an interview with GMA News Online, Puerto Princesa City police head Senior Superintendent Abad Osit explained that after consultation with the  Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, a controlled explosion was done at around 8:37 a.m.

 

"Kailangang i-blast-in-place ng mga expert [ang IED] to lessen the risk," Osit explained. "Kapag dinisrupt by hand, may high risk na masabugan."

 

However, Otis said Marines and Coast Guard are now conducting patrols in the area to look for those responsible for leaving the improvised explosive there.

 

In the meantime, the boats taking visitors to PPUR were transferred to the nearby beach area, he added.

PPUR, a popular tourist destination, officially became one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012. — with Amanda Fernandez/RSJ, GMA News