Philippine authorities seize explosive materials from passenger ferry

Philippine authorities have seized explosive materials from a passenger ferry, officials said. The discovery included dynamite and ammonium nitrate, substances commonly used in detonations, stored in trucks aboard the vessel.

The hazardous cargo was identified during routine inspections of the ferry, which was simultaneously transporting civilian passengers. The presence of such materials on a passenger-carrying vessel violates maritime safety regulations and raised immediate alarm among transport officials.

Authorities did not immediately disclose the intended destination of the explosives or clarify whether the materials were being transported legally with proper documentation. The incident prompted questions about cargo screening procedures at Philippine ports.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing. Philippine maritime authorities have strengthened their protocols for inspecting vehicles and cargo aboard passenger ferries following the discovery, officials indicated.