RP ship captured for carrying guns

AMBON, Maluku: The Indonesian Navy captured a traditional vessel from the Philippines carrying six guns and 454 bullets in the waters off Maluku islands, an official said on Monday.

Commodore Djoko Sumaryono revealed in a media release on Monday that the six seized guns were two Garand rifles, two revolvers, one U.S. Carabine and one U.S. Seniorita.

The officer, however, did not specify when and where the capture took place.

"This is proof that many parties are still trying to create unrest in Maluku," he said.

Meanwhile, chief of the Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM) Alex Manuputty had his detention postponed on Saturday, but both Maluku Police Brig. Gen. Firman Gani and Governor Saleh Latuconsina said that "legal proceedings concerning Alex will continue".

Alex is charged with treason.

Legal proceedings concerning a Muslim figure for allegedly inciting unrest through provocative public speech in Ambon would also continue, officer Firman said.

Separately, the civil emergency executor also set up a "team of news sensors" which will monitor and select news released to the public in a bid to avoid provocative reports that could instigate further unrest.

All local media, however, opposed the team formation which was issued in gubernatorial decree No. 05/KEP/PDSDM/I/2001 on Jan. 9 this year. (49/edt)