PCG turns over explosives to EOD

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard District Central Visayas (CGDCV) has turned over several pieces of recovered unexploded ordnance (UXO), including mortar rounds and rifle grenades, to the Cebu Provincial Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine (EOD K9) Unit following their recovery in Talisay City, Cebu.

The turnover, conducted on July 7, 2026, at the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in the South Road Properties, Cebu City, was part of the Coast Guard’s efforts to ensure the safe handling and lawful disposal of explosive materials.

The operation stemmed from the voluntary surrender of a suspected UXO by a concerned resident after it was unearthed during an excavation at an abandoned residential property in Barangay Pooc, Talisay City, on July 4.

Coast Guard personnel immediately secured the item and coordinated with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit–Central Visayas, which identified it as an unexploded 60mm mortar round.

After documentation and temporary safekeeping at the CGDCV headquarters, Coast Guard personnel formally turned over the explosives to the Cebu Provincial EOD K9 Unit.

The turnover included two 60mm mortar rounds, 13 M203 rifle grenades, and four live booster cartridges that had been previously recovered and secured by the Coast Guard for proper accounting and disposal.

Rear Admiral Agapito B. Bibat, commander of the Coast Guard District Central Visayas, commended the prompt response and the vigilance of the resident who reported the unexploded ordnance in a statement.

He stressed that public cooperation plays a crucial role in preventing accidents involving explosive hazards.

The Coast Guard reminded the public not to touch, move, or tamper with suspected unexploded ordnance, military munitions, or explosives.

Instead, such items should be immediately reported to the nearest Coast Guard station, Philippine National Police unit, Armed Forces of the Philippines unit, or local government authorities to allow qualified Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel to safely recover and dispose of them.

The CGDCV said it remains committed to protecting communities through prompt response, effective coordination, and continued collaboration with partner agencies in addressing public safety threats. —/IHM (FREEMAN)