Misamis Oriental — More than 150 provincial employees, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) members, and representatives from various agencies turned out at the Provincial Capitol today for a vital information drive on explosive hazards. The event—titled A.B.K.D.: Awareness of Bombs that Kills Lives and Destroys Properties—aimed to equip government personnel with the knowledge and skills needed to identify, report, and safely neutralize explosive threats.
The day‑long lecture was spearheaded by the Philippine National Police’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (PNP‑EOD) and K9 Unit, in close collaboration with the provincial government. It covered a broad array of topics, including:
- Effective National Operational Support Unit protocols
- Safe Disposal of explosive devices
- Explosive Ordnance identification and marking
- Neutralization of Hazards techniques
- Management of Police Service Dogs in detecting hidden explosives
Brigadier General Albert Magno, head of PNP‑EOD, served as the keynote speaker. In his address, he stressed that “a well‑informed workforce is our first line of defense. Every employee who can recognize suspicious objects and report them promptly helps save lives and protects our communities.”
“Explosive threats do not discriminate. Whether in urban centers or rural barangays, the potential for harm is real—and preventable,” BG Magno added.
Participants engaged in both classroom lectures and practical demonstrations led by seasoned EOD technicians and K9 handlers. Hands‑on sessions allowed attendees to observe how police dogs are trained to sniff out hidden ordnance, as well as how technicians approach and render safe a mock explosive device.
Why These Drives Matter
Information campaigns like A.B.K.D. are critical in regions where remnants of past conflicts or illicit bomb‑making activity pose ongoing risks. According to recent data from the PNP, unexploded ordnance and abandoned improvised explosive devices account for dozens of injuries and fatalities each year. By raising awareness and building cross‑agency collaboration, authorities can significantly reduce these incidents.
Moreover, empowering local government employees and peacekeeping teams to act swiftly creates a force multiplier: when every office, every checkpoint, and every barangay has someone trained to spot and report danger, the net of public safety stretches wider and tighter.
Building Stronger Partnerships
The provincial governor, in a closing remark, reaffirmed the importance of sustained cooperation among law enforcement, local government units, and community volunteers. “Our collective vigilance and shared commitment to safety will ensure that our province remains secure and peaceful,” the governor said.
As the event concluded, participants received certificates of completion and informational materials to distribute within their respective agencies. Plans are already underway for follow‑up workshops and barangay‑level briefings to maintain momentum in this life‑saving campaign.