2 nabbed for smuggling dynamite, explosive devices

CAMP FLORENDO, La Union , Philippines  – Policemen in Bauang, La Union arrested in a check-point along Naguilian Road on Sunday two persons from Baguio City for alleged illegal transport of voluminous explosive devices such as dynamites, chemicals and detonating equipments.

Chief Superintendent Constante Azares Jr., Ilocos police director, identified the suspects as Josephine Atiwag Omikeg, 42, and Edwin Marzan, 28, both residents of Upper Irisan, Baguio City.

Azares said the duo were on board a Tamaraw FX taxi (AVF 839) when they were stopped by policemen at the checkpoint.

Policemen who checked their cargo discovered some 40 pieces of dynamites, 200 blasting caps, potassium nitrates, gasoline and three rounds of time fuse.

Initial investigation showed that the suspects had just come from a mining company in Benguet and told policemen that the explosives were to be used in road projects in the upland town of Alilem in Ilocos Sur.

Azares said the suspects would be charged with criminal offenses including violation of the Omnibus Election Code.