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PNP, JSOTF-P Explosive Ordnance Disposal Teams Teach First Responders

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091117-23
Release Date: 11/17/2009 4:22:00 PM

By Lt.j.g. Theresa Donnelly, Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines Public Affairs

ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE, Philippines (NNS) -- Members from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) trained more than 100 first responders in the Zamboanga del Norte province Nov. 9-12.

Members assigned to JSOTF-P from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit 5 (MU-5) assisted officers from the Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Detection Unit 9 (REODDU9), teaching all aspects of improvised explosive device (IED) awareness, including detection, response and the parts of an IED.

"This is the first time I have seen these IEDs and it is very good to learn about them. If we encounter these IEDs in the future, now we will know what to do. The coordination that I see between JSOTF-P and the PNP is very beneficial to all of us," said Norman Paul Q. Namoc, a firefighter from Dipolog City.

Participants came from several organizations including other PNP units, the Provincial Bureau of Fire Protection, the Crime Laboratory Service and the Provincial Health Department of Zamboanga del Norte.

"Presently, IEDs are the number one weapon of choice for terrorists throughout the world. It is our job to develop our knowledge and capabilities, and it is the first responders who must know exactly how to react if they come across these devices," said Lt. Erik Spalding, the JSOTF-P EOD Task Unit officer in charge.

The first day began with a basic introduction to IEDs, what types exist, how they are activated and what to do if they encounter one.

"Our hope is that the students will go back to their units with an increased understanding of what we do and will share that knowledge with others who were unable to attend," said Jonathan A. Nodado, a police officer from REODDU9.

EOD teams from the PNP and JSOTF-P took turns teaching the class and brought in several types of explosives, switches, and initiators to familiarize students with all aspects of bomb construction. Instructors also reviewed the different parts of an IED, so students could see how easy it is to make this type of weapon.

Teams also shared their experiences working with live ordnance and the proper procedures to follow when an IED is found. They also underlined the dangers and results when teams have failed to respond properly.

The following day, students applied the skills learned in the classroom by participating in training exercises. In one drill, students divided into 10-man teams on foot patrols with mock IEDs placed throughout the police unit headquarters.

"I am very happy we could partner with the PNP and conduct this training together. IEDs are a huge threat here, and we are happy to share our experiences with the first responders. It is an honor to be here working with such trained and skilled professionals," said Spalding.