Bombs, gunfights in Ambon

AMBON, Maluku: Sporadic bomb explosions and gunfire hit several parts of Ambon island in from Monday to Tuesday, officials reported later in the day.

"Bomb explosions took place in Batu Merah area as well as in Galunggung and the outskirts of Ambon," civil emergency authority spokesman John Tomasoa said by phone on Tuesday.

There were no immediate casualties reported.

Also on Monday, a team of investigators from the National Police arrived in Ambon to collect data about the rogue shooting incident involving 13 police and military personnel here on Jan. 20.

"They want to obtain firsthand information about the case," Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen. Firman Gani said.

In North Maluku, Governor Muchyi Effendi revealed that four foreigners from Australia and New Zealand who had allegedly trespassed at Halmahera island on Thursday were deported on Saturday to their respective countries.

"The four have breached the civil emergency regulations.

"Their arrival was illegal, they had no clear reason to be here in the first place and reports said they wish to monitor the military activities on the islands," Muchyi said on Monday. (edt)