PCG seizes explosives in Palawan-bound ship

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) seized 130 cases of dynamite and other explosive components onboard a passenger and cargo vessel that sailed from Manila to Puerto Princesa, Palawan last week.

Commodore Jane Gesulgon, PCG-Palawan chief, said the dangerous shipment, which included 12,500 kilos of ammonium nitrate and 1,500 pieces of connectors, arrived at the Port of Puerto Princesa on Sept. 13. 

Gesulgon said intelligence information was sent about the suspicious cargo, prompting the PCG to conduct a targeted inspection and enforcement action on four suspected vehicles. 

Inspectors found the dangerous cargo inside a wing van and a truck aboard the unnamed roll-on/roll-off or RoRo vessel.  

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the shipment was misdeclared.

Cayabyab  added that the PCG is investigating lapses and violations, to determine how the dangerous cargo ended up on board the RoRo ship.

Several PCG personnel at the port of origin were immediately relieved to ensure impartial investigation.

“The case build-up will cover all responsible people,” Gesulgon said.

He added that “the PCG has issued an ‘enforcement inspection apprehension report’ to the shipping company for underclared cargo, as administrative cases were filed before the Maritime Industry Authority in relation to the regulatory violations.

The confiscated explosives and components were placed under the custody of the Philippine National Police.