2 nabbed for possession of blasting caps

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Two men were arrested for possession of blasting caps smuggled into the city, early Thursday.

Senior Superintendent Angelito Casimiro, city police director, identified the suspects as Almuksin Amilussin and Saud Arnado.

Casimiro said operatives of the Central Police Station were sent to the city's port to verify intelligence reports intercepted by the Western Mindanao Command's Naval Intelligence Service Group (NISG).

The information gahtered by the NISG claimed that a shipment of explosives on board M/V Magnolia Lili Flora will arrive in the city. The vessel came from Jolo, Sulu and it arrived at the city port at around 5 a.m. Thursday.

Upon verification, the policemen were able to find the blasting caps wrapped in newspaper. It was left unattended at the pilot's house of the ship.

Casimiro said that policemen pounced on the suspects as they attempt to claim the wrapped baggage.

The suspects were brought to the prosecutor's office on Friday morning for inquest proceedings.

Casimiro said that they have yet to determine if the two suspects are members of any local militant groups, including the Abu Sayyaf.

The suspects could also be fishermen engaged in illegal fishing.

Police forces in Mindanao have been placed on high alert after the series of bombings in several southern areas, including Basilan and General Santos City.