Philippine police intercepts bomb material shipment in the south

Philippine police on Tuesday morning intercepted a 200-kilogram shipment of explosive material in the south, amid reports saying local terrorists might launch bombing attacks on the country's urban targets.

At least 200 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, which can be used for making bombs, were intercepted while two workers unloading the cargo were arrested in Zamboanga Port on the southern island of Mindanao, maritime police told reporters.

The material was contained in eight sacks on board a vessel that arrived at 6 a.m. Tuesday from Jolo, where is currently a battlefield of the military in pursuit of fleeing terrorists, police said.

"The ammonium nitrate was hidden in boxes of fish on board the vessel when it reached the Zamboanga City pier at 6 a.m.," a report by dzMM radio quoted police in Zamboanga as saying.

The two arrested workers reportedly denied knowledge that the vessel was carrying ammonium nitrate.

Since last week, police and military officials have tightened security in Mindanao following a series of bombings in the region last week which resulted in the killing of six.

Meanwhile, authorities in Metro Manila have also tightened security in anticipation of possible terrorist attacks.

Source: Xinhua