Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua Scott | An explosive ordnance disposal technician teaches members of the Armed Forces of the...... read more read more
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By Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua Scott
Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines Public Affairs
ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE, Philippines – Anti-explosive experts from the Armed Forces of the Philippines joined forces to dispose of more than 2,000 pounds of unexploded ordnance that had reached potentially hazardous levels.
Army explosive ordnance disposal technicians from the 3rd EOD detachment from Malagutay, worked with the Naval Special Operations Unit 6 EOD technicians from Zamboanga, May 3, in the Sirawai Municipality. During the day-long event, Sailors from Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines 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 mm mortars, 81 mm mortars and 105 mm 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."
These items are common parts of improvised explosive devices that have been used throughout the Mindanao and Sulu Archipelago. This year alone, the AFP has recovered more than 30 IEDs throughout Mindanao. Most recently, Abu-Sayyaf Group militants used IEDs during the attacks in Basilan April 13. The destruction of these 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 barangays use the pulverized rock to repair the roads in the area. A large amount of gravel created after the disposal the operation is now usable and immediately 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.
For the AFP and U.S. forces partnership, the training provided an opportunity for the EOD units.
"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."
Training is necessary, but the day-long events were even more important due to the elimination of hazardous objects and possible materials that could possibly be used against the local authorities, Philippine national police and residents.
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.
| Date Taken: | 05.03.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 05.18.2010 08:26 |
| Story ID: | 49871 |
| Location: | ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE, PH |
| Web Views: | 398 |
| Downloads: | 144 |
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