The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), in coordination with the Philippine Navy’s Naval Special Operations Command (NAVSOCOM), destroyed 570 grams of hazardous chemicals used in the production of explosives.
These chemicals, part of a larger seizure from an industrial plant in Marilao, Bulacan last week, were safely detonated at the Crow Valley Ranges in Capas, Tarlac.
Authorities revealed that initial findings point to the chemicals being exported to China.
One of the confiscated substances, tungsten, was found to have a purity level of 95.2%, indicating its potential for military applications such as tank shells, hypersonic missiles, anti-armor rounds, and high explosives.
Three individuals — two Chinese nationals and one Filipino — were arrested after allegedly attempting to bribe NBI agents with P1 million per detained suspect for their release.
The investigation has uncovered the involvement of a Chinese-owned corporation engaged in the illegal importation, manufacture, and export of controlled chemicals used in explosive production.
According to the NBI Forensic Division, a key concern is the combination of Urotropine and Nitric Acid, which can produce RDX, the main component in plastic explosives like C-4. RDX is highly explosive even in small amounts and is sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making it extremely dangerous outside of controlled environments. The seized chemicals differ significantly from those used in locally manufactured firecrackers.
A total of over a hundred metric tons of chemicals were recovered from the factory. The arrested individuals — seven Chinese nationals and one Filipino corporate secretary — are now facing multiple charges.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “NBI, Navy destroy confiscated chemicals used in explosive production.”
