Couple busted in WW2 bomb remains blast

Couple busted in WW2 bomb remains blast

TERNATE, Maluku: A couple in their 30s have been apprehended
following last week's explosion of a 25-kilogram bomb which
killed at least six villagers of Tutumaleleo at Galela
subdistrict in Halmahera Islands, North Maluku, a police
spokesman said here Tuesday.

North Maluku Police chief Lt. Col. Didik Prijandono told
Antara that Djon Asu, 35, and wife Yati Djen, 30, were detained
on Tuesday last week for allegedly possessing the dangerous bomb,
which was believed to be remains from the second world war in the
area.

Three other villagers were also wounded in the blast, which
occurred shortly after the couple asked one of the victims who
died after, Fadli Tomagola, to force open the explosive in order
to collect the ammunition.

The three seriously wounded victims are being hospitalized at
Galela public health center, some 275 km from the North Maluku
district town of Ternate.

"The bomb was forcibly opened to get its ammunition, locally
called walirang" which is mainly used here for catching fish,"
Didik said.

Police said that the bomb was found at the Morotai Islands,
which according to locals was a hideout for the American soldiers
during World War II.

The price of walirang is about Rp 75,000 (US$9.60) per
kilogram here.