CIDG seize explosive components in Laguna but no one was arrested

Miami
April 9, 2008
Story 1: CIDG seize explosive components in Laguna but no one was arrested

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has seized explosives components in Laguna, Wednesday night at around 8:00 pm, April 8. According to the officials this is part of their effort to eradicate terrorists in the country.

According to CIDG Director Chief Supt. Raul Castaneda the CIDS together with the Special Action Force of the PNP were able to seize 550 pieces of improvised blasting caps, 25 pieces of time fuse, 2 pieces of detonating cord and an undetermined amount of Tetryl compound, a kind of explosive compound used to make detonators and explosive booster charges.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno were satisfied on the efforts of the policemen to remove any attempt of terrorism in the country.

Castaneda said that the subject of their operation was a certain Khalid Pagayao, a Filipino whom the authorities believed to be part of the bombing threat in several embassies in Manila. They said Pagayao may be a member of Jemaah Islamiya or Al Queda.

“Accumulation of dangerous things like explosive ones is not a casual thing. The configuration of the material that we find is an indicative of an intention of those behind threats,” Puno said.

However, their subject was not around during the raid. But, they also said that this is connected on other incidents that already happened like the deportation of two Jordanians last February 27.

The two Jordanians were deported because of violation of Immigration laws, but Razon said they also received reports that they were connected with the terrorist group. They were identified as Khalil Kh. Walid Abu Aisheh.

The officials also said that it is not normal for people to keep explosive devices on their house, that is why they believed that Pagayao is part of a terror group.

The police are now making follow-up operations on the possible whereabouts of Pagayao.
Puno and Razon were one in saying, “we want to prevent any terrorist act in our country, we will do what we canto stop it.”