Contraband seized at Culasi port

By: Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Several sacks of ammonium nitrate were confiscated by authorities from a van on board a roll on-roll off (RORO) vessel Thursday in Culasi port here

The Philippine Coast Guard- Roxas detained the van with registration plate RFJ-545 which came from Batangas port.

According to Lieutenant Commander Edison Diaz, PCG-Roxas station commander, the driver declared that the van was empty.

But the PCG and its K9 unit checked the van and found sacks of ammonium nitrate, which is a key ingredient for improvised bombs.

According to van driver Rommy Manaleg of Villa Pani-an, Estancia, Iloilo, he had no idea of the cargo.

Diaz said they are waiting for Gilbert Diocson, the cargo owner, to arrive before they can inventory the cargoes.

They will also ask Diocson if he has a permit to transport the chemicals.

Other law enforcers joining the operations were the Roxas City PNP, Highway Patrol Group, Maritime Police, and village officials of Brgy Culasi.