Bomb-making components seized in Sultan Kudarat town – PNP

Authorities recently recovered a stockpile of bomb-making components during a court-sanctioned operation in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement on Sunday, the PNP said the Bagumbayan Municipal Police Station, Sultan Kudarat Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit (SKPECU), and the 37th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army implemented a search warrant on February 20 in Barangay Bai Saripinang.

The search warrant was issued against a male suspect who was not present during the operation and is now the subject of a manhunt.

Authorities recovered 12 sacks of ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) with each sack weighing 25 kilos, 54 pieces of non-electric blasting caps, and one roll of commercial safety fuse.

The items underwent an inventory and were later transported to the SKPECU headquarters in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat for proper handling and technical assessment.

Investigators are preparing appropriate charges against the suspect for violating Republic Act 9516 or the law penalizing the unlawful possession of explosives and explosive components.

“This successful operation prevented the possible use of these explosive components in criminal or violent activities,” PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

He assured that the PNP will “continue to track down individuals who attempt to store or circulate explosive materials outside the bounds of the law.” — JMA, GMA Integrated News