Army recovers bomb chemical in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / April 5, 2010) – Patrolling government troops on Monday recovered three sacks of chemical fertilizer used in the manufacture of homemade explosives believed left behind by communist rebels in Compostela Valley province in Mindanao, officials said.

Officials said New People’s Army rebels left behind the chemical in the village of Andap in New Bataan town.

“Responding from constant reports that New People’s Army terrorists will conduct offensives by utilizing improvised explosive devices fashioned as landmines, troops from the 66th Infantry Battalion conducting security patrol recovered three sacks of ammonium nitrate which is a potent bomb component,” said Captain Emmanuel Garcia, a spokesman for the 10th Infantry Division based in Davao City.

He said military reports indicate the rebels were planning to use improvised explosives against government troops who frequently pass in the village.

Major General Carlos Holganza, the army division commander, said the chemical can be used by the rebels to manufacture homemade explosives.

“Three sacks of this chemical will translate to many improvised explosive devices which may result to many casualties, including civilians, had not our troops recover the ammonium nitrate,” he said.

The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines which is waging a secessionist war for the past decades. (Mindanao Examiner)