Police seize tanker loaded with ammonia
ISABEL, Leyte, Philippines – Police seized a tanker of the Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Corp., (Philphos) suspected to contain ammonia Saturday midnight.
A police report said the truck, which was intercepted at a checkpoint here, has no permit to transport chemicals.
Ella Brebante, town administrator, said they are closely monitoring the transport of hazardous elements after an ammonia leak downed 19 crewmembers of a tugboat and a barge last week.
Brebante said they have reported the incident to Environmental Management Bureau director Leticia Maceda.
She said they received information that unscrupulous businessmen smuggle ammonia, an ingredient for making fertilizer and explosives, through Philphos so they could get it tax-free.
Initial investigation showed that the gate pass of the truck stated that it was carrying sulfuric acid. The truck was supposed to brought to Leo S Marketing in Parañaque City.
Monching Tan, a Philphos official, who signed the delivery receipt, could not be reached for comment yesterday.
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