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Philippine Army, Navy Explosive Techs Dispose of Hazardous Material

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100518-12
5/18/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Joshua Scott, Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines Public Affairs

ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE, Philippines (NNS) -- Anti-explosive experts from Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) worked together with Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines (JSOTF-P) personnel to dispose of more than 2,000 pounds of unexploded ordnance in Sirawai Municipality, Philippines.

The team consisted of Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians from the 3rd EOD Detachment from Malagutay and the Naval Special Operations Unit (NAVSOU) 6 EOD technicians from Zamboanga.

During the day-long event, JSOTF-P Sailors provided technical support and subject matter expertise.

"We have a good working relationship with our counterparts in NAVSOU EOD," said Maj. Michael Duquez, commanding officer of 3rd EOD Detachment. "When we conduct an operation near the area of water, we coordinate with them; if they have an activity on the ground, they coordinate with us to accomplish the mission safely."

The disposal operation removed a significant portion of potentially hazardous ordnance items that had been stockpiled.

The total amount of ordnance destroyed included more than 1,500 60 millimeter mortars, 81 millimeter mortars and 105 millimeter projectiles. An additional large number of miscellaneous items, including fuses and grenades, were also destroyed.

"Basically, the longer they keep the ordnance stored inside their magazines, the more hazardous it becomes," said Lt. Joe Morgan, JSOTF-P EOD team leader. "It's our job to help them destroy this ordnance."

In 2010 alone, the AFP has recovered more than 30 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) throughout Mindanao. Just recently, Abu-Sayyaf Group militants used IEDs during the attacks in Basilan April 13. The destruction of the unexploded ordnance items prevents terrorists from getting the resources necessary for building IEDs.

"We now have the equipment to effectively address any IED threat on the island," said Duquez.

The disposal range site was specifically chosen because nearby locals use the pulverized rock to repair the roads in the area. A large amount of gravel created after the disposal operation is now usable for road repairs during the upcoming wet season.

"We were able to dispose of munitions and at the same time help the community on their road project," said Duquez.

The disposal operation also was an opportunity for training between the AFP and U.S. forces.

"The AFP EOD units have been doing this job for a long time, and they've seen a lot of IED activity here in Mindanao, so they're very experienced," said Morgan. "Our main role is to support and share information so we relay to them the latest technology, tactics, techniques and safety procedures."

The successful operation proved to be beneficial not only to the Army and Navy EOD, but also to the local community and the island of Mindanao for fostering peace and prosperity.