JOLO, Sulu — A total of 93 assorted unexploded ordnance (UXO) and related explosive components, including heavily corroded projectiles, mortar shells, fuzes, and a reported 500-pound World War II-era bomb, were recovered by Philippine Coast Guard personnel during a retrieval operation at a junkshop in Barangay Alat, Jolo, Sulu, on Monday, October 12, 2026.
The operation was conducted by Coast Guard Station Western Sulu (CGS Western Sulu), through its CGK9-EOD Team Western Sulu, in coordination with the Coast Guard Special Operations Unit Sulu and other station personnel. The operation was carried out under the leadership of Station Commander Commander Al-Hafidz T. Bih, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
According to the Coast Guard, personnel responded to the reported discovery after receiving information about the presence of heavily corroded explosive ordnance at the junkshop. The reported discovery included a bomb believed to date back to World War II, raising potential safety concerns for people in the surrounding area.
Upon reaching the location, the responding team conducted an initial assessment and coordinated the necessary safety measures before proceeding with the retrieval operation.
Through the coordinated efforts of the participating units, the team recovered 93 assorted unexploded ordnance and related components. These included corroded projectiles of various calibers, mortar shells, fuzes, and the reported 500-pound bomb believed to be from World War II.
The Coast Guard said the recovery operation was completed without any reported untoward incident. Following the required safety procedures and documentation, the recovered materials were transported to Coast Guard Station Western Sulu for temporary storage pending proper disposition by authorized Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel.
The discovery highlights the potential dangers posed by old, corroded, or abandoned explosive devices, which may remain hazardous even after decades of exposure to the elements. Their deteriorated appearance does not necessarily mean they are safe to handle, move, or dismantle.
Although the items were recovered without incident, authorities continue to remind the public that suspected unexploded ordnance must be treated as dangerous and left untouched until trained specialists can assess and secure the area.
The Philippine Coast Guard emphasized that the operation reflects its continuing commitment to public safety and community protection through prompt responses to public reports, coordination among specialized units, and sustained public awareness.
Public Safety Reminder
Residents who discover suspected bombs, ammunition, mortar shells, or other explosive devices are strongly advised not to touch, move, open, or tamper with them. They should immediately notify the nearest police station, the Philippine Coast Guard, or other appropriate authorities and keep a safe distance from the suspected ordnance.
Only trained and authorized EOD personnel should assess, handle, and dispose of these potentially dangerous materials.