Four boxes of components of explosives recently discovered by a barangay tanod in Brgy. San Jose, Sipalay City, could have been owned by the New People's Army, police said.

Four boxes of ammonium nitrate with three bundles of detonating cords and sharp metals covered with banana leaves, were discovered by barangay tanod Pepito Canongo at a road in Sitio Patio-tio, Brgy. San Jose, Sipalay City on Dec. 3.

Senior Supt. Rosendo Franco, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, yesterday said the explosives may have been intended for landmines or bombs. Franco commended Canongo for the discovery of the explosives.

Barangay tanods and members of the Civilian Volunteers Organization, who serve as force multipliers of the police, may soon be employed in the war against terrorism, according to the Police Regional Office 6. Franco said it is unlikely that the Maricalum Mining Company and Philex Gold owned the explosives as they are no longer operating in southern Negros.

He called on Negrenses to report any discovery of explosives to the nearest police stations.

Franco said the explosives may have been left along the road for pick up. The explosives were turned over by the Sipalay police to the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office for proper disposition.*GPB

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