Police seize ‘NPA’ explosive devices in Compostela Valley

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) confiscated late Friday night, August 8, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and paraphernalia in Compostela Valley believed to belong to communist rebels.

The PNP said in a statement that it had acted on a tip from the Army Intelligence and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) units in Region VIII. 

Authorities raided the house of a certain Allan “Em-Em” Montecalvo in Purok 4A, Panamin Gamay, Barangay Elizalde Maco and found the following: 

• 1 IED weighing more or 1 kilogram (kg)
• 1 magazine without ammunition, for a caliber 45
• A blasting cap with detonating cord
• Assorted IED components 
• A bundle of electrical wire
• 1 magazine for M14 without ammo
• 16 rounds of ammunition for M14
• Subversive documents/pamplets/booklets and newspapers marked “pasa bilis” and “ang bayan” believed to be from communist rebels

Authorities also found a purple bag with a laptop, and some personal belongings including a wallet with an identification card belonging to Rex Franco, a security guard of Mongoose Security agency detailed with Apex mining who was reportedly abducted by the New People’s Army in July.  The PNP said this is subject to follow-up investigation.

After the operation, police noticed a suspicious wire protruding from an unoccupied house supposedly abandoned for more then two months by a certain Jona Aricos.

Assisted by Barangay Captain Juan Abelleja, the police also entered the premises and found the following:

• 1 IED weighing more or less 6.4 kgs
• 18 rounds of live ammunitions for a 50 caliber
• 1 holster for caliber 45
• 1 soldering iron
• Assorted medical supplies

The PNP said the owners of the devices, who are being pursued, have violated Republic Act 9516 and RA10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. – Rappler.com

Tools on the table image via Shutterstock.