Fatal Explosion in Jolo Claims Two Lives During Illegal Fishing Dynamite Fabrication

COTABATO CITY — A tragic accident occurred late Saturday, November 22, in Barangay Tulay, Jolo, Sulu, where two men lost their lives due to an explosion while fabricating fishing dynamite in their residence.

According to Lt. Col. Annidul Sali, chief of the Jolo Municipal Police Station, Abdul Tiri Basang, 70, and 40-year-old Indal Tho Pascual died instantly from severe injuries sustained in the powerful blast that demolished their shanty in Barangay Tulay, the capital of Sulu province.

Local officials confirmed that Basang and Pascual were engaged in the illegal production and distribution of fishing dynamite, utilizing materials such as ammonium nitrate or potassium chlorate as explosives. The two were reportedly supplying these dangerous devices to fishermen across Jolo and neighboring municipalities.

The explosion also injured two other individuals: Tulli Mislani, 40, and Nuraisa Mislani Pascual, 37, who are currently receiving medical attention.

Authorities said the blast was so intense that it rendered the makeshift home structurally unsound and beyond repair. Barangay officials continue to investigate the incident amid growing concerns over the dangers posed by illicit fishing methods to both community safety and the environment.