JOLO, Sulu — Two men were killed and two others sustained minor injuries after an improvised dynamite device exploded inside a coastal residence in Barangay Tulay, Jolo, on Saturday night, November 22.
The fatalities were identified as Abdul Tiri Basang, 70, and Indal MNU Pascual, 40, both residents of the area. Police said the two were reportedly assembling an improvised dynamite device—commonly used for illegal fishing—inside Pascual’s home when it suddenly detonated, killing them instantly.
Two others near the blast site were injured. They were identified as Tulli Mislani, 40, a fisherman, and an unidentified woman who happened to be close to the house at the time of the explosion. She was rushed to IPHO Sulu for medical treatment.
The explosion occurred at around 8:25 p.m. in Sitio Laud-Laud, Zone 3. The blast, described by responders as strong and destructive, shook nearby homes and alarmed residents across the densely populated coastal community.
Authorities from the Jolo Municipal Police Station, led by PLTCOL Annidul M. Sali, immediately responded to the incident alongside teams from Indanan MPS, SAF-Sulu, Maritime Group, PCG Sulu, PDRRMO, BFP Jolo, 35th Infantry Battalion (Charlie Company) of the Philippine Army, and local officials of Barangay Tulay. SOCO personnel also arrived to process the scene.
Initial investigation confirmed that the explosion originated from a homemade fishing explosive—a dangerous method still used in some coastal areas despite stringent laws and repeated warnings against dynamite fishing.
Barangay Tulay officials, led by Punong Barangay Salip Utal P. Hairal and Administrator Ohara J. Hairal, together with the Barangay DRRMO headed by Ben M. Usman, mobilized rescue operations and assisted the affected families. On Sunday, November 23, barangay personnel distributed immediate assistance to the victims’ families and assessed structural damage caused by the blast in coordination with the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) – Jolo.
The Bureau of Fire Protection – Sulu, headed by Acting Provincial Fire Marshal FSINSP Jayson T. Ahijon, confirmed that the explosion was consistent with illegal dynamite materials. BFP personnel secured the area and coordinated closely with police and emergency units to prevent further hazards.
Mayor Hji. Edsir Q. Tan directed MDRRMO Jolo to maintain close coordination with all responding agencies to ensure continuing support for those affected and proper dissemination of verified information.
Authorities once again warned the public about the extreme dangers and severe legal consequences of manufacturing or using illegal explosives for fishing.
“This must serve as a wake-up call,” local officials said, urging residents to reject practices that endanger lives, destroy marine ecosystems, and put entire communities at risk.
NO TO DYNAMITE FISHING. Protect Lives. Protect Sulu.