Concerned citizens in Capiz turn over IED materials to military

The improvised claymore mine, with battery and wires, was turned over by concerned citizens in Capiz to the military. Photo courtesy of the 3rd infantry division.

MANILA, Philippines – Landmine components allegedly used in the making of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were turned over to authorities by concerned citizens in Capiz province, an Army spokesman said Friday.

One concerned individual surrendered to authorities Wednesday morning five kilos of ammonium nitrate, 400 grams of Trinitrotoluene (TNT), two blasting caps, and two detonating cords, Major Enrico Ileto, third infantry division spokesman, said in a statement.

A farmer also surrendered an improvised Claymore mine with detonating wires and battery afternoon of the same day, he said.

He said that a similar claymore mine with detonating tools and an 81-millimeter mortar was surrendered to the military March 19, 2012, he added.

The improvised explosive device components found by local citizens in Capiz, and subsequently turned over to local authorities. Photo courtesy of the 3rd infantry division.

Major General Jose Mabanta, commander of the third infantry division, said that while the concerned citizens were not given public recognition “we call [them] heroes of their community as they have prevented these destructive and banned landmines from being used against the people. Definitely the place is much safer now. With the lives spared from the use of these, their actions are invaluable.”

The IEDs were similar to the landmines used by the New People’s Army (NPA), Ileto said.

Last March 11, 2012, a 6-year old girl was killed while her sister was injured after an IED exploded in Barangay (village) Tacayan, Tapaz, Capiz. The NPA was said to be behind the IED, he said.

The NPA fired upon and used IEDs as landmines against soldiers in a populated area in the boundary of Adgao and Ingay in Tubungan, Iloilo about 7:55 a.m. last March 26. Civilian properties were damaged and two civilians were wounded in the incident, Ileto said.