Explosives seized in Bantayan raid

CEBU, Philippines — An unlicensed manufacturer of dynamite was arrested Thursday dawn in Barangay Lipayran, Bantayan resulting in the seizure of still undetermined amount of explosives used for illegal fishing.

The suspect was identified as Edwin Lopez, 42. He was described by the police as “influential” because of his alleged connections with the law enforcers and the local government.

Joint operatives of Bantayan Police Station, Provincial Mobile Force Company, 47th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, and Bantay Dagat of San Remigio swooped down on Lopez based on the search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 29 Judge Ruben Altubar in Toledo City for violation of Republic Act 9516 or engaging in dynamite explosives dealership.

Chief Inspector Florendo Fajardo, chief of Bantayan Police Station, described Lopez as a bigtime manufacturer and dealer of explosives to illegal fishers in Bantayan Island. He is said to have been operating since 2008.

He is selling ready to use dynamite at P500 each; P100 for every blasting cap; and P200 per kilo of ammonium nitrate.

“First time in history nga we are able to seize this much dynamite in one operation. That’s a big blow, but we are not complacent kay kahibaw ta mubalik pa sila,” Fajardo said.

 Confiscated from Lopez were six big containers of ammonium nitrate, hundreds of blasting caps, several detonating cords, and four various calibers of unlicensed firearms.

He will be charged with violations of Republic Act 9516 or engaging in dynamite explosives dealership and Republic Act 10591 or illegal possession of unlicensed firearms. According to the police, dynamite fishing has been very rampant in the island.

They are, however, expecting that the illegal activity will be lessened now that Lopez has been arrested. — FPL (FREEMAN)