Man caught in possession of bomb-making materials in Zambo Sur charged

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 19 (PNA) -– The police have filed criminal charges against a man found in possession of bomb-making components before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, a top police official reported Friday.

Charged was Joel Sumagop, 36, a resident Purok 3, Barangay Saad, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur. 

765 rounds of live ammunition for AK-47 rifle

Zamboanga del Sur police director Senior Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre said Sumagop was charged for violations of Republic Act 10591 otherwise known as Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act with P100,000 recommended bail and R.A. 9516 with no bail recommended.

R.A. 9516 is otherwise known as an act further amending the provisions of President Decree No. 1866, as amended, entitled “Codifying the laws on illegal/unlawful possession, manufacture, dealing in, acquisition or disposition of firearms, ammunition or explosives or instruments used in the manufacture of firearms, ammunition or explosives, and imposing stiffer penalties for certain violations thereof, and for relevant purposes.”

Recovered Blasting cap and accessories

Sumagop was arrested by combined police and military forces around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday in Barangay Saad, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur.

The arresting team confiscated from Sumagop’s possession 30 pieces blasting caps; seven arming devices; 50 meters electrical wire; 18 dry cell batteries; one improvised explosive device (IED) component; 765 rounds of live ammunition for AK-47 rifle; medical supplies; foodstuff; toiletries; and, other personal belongings.

Ecaldre said that the suspect is temporarily detained at the Dumingag Police Station. (PNA)
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