KALILANGAN, Bukidnon — Authorities from the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) successfully recovered eight pieces of 81mm High Explosive (HE) mortar rounds discovered in a forested area in Sitio Furchacu IV, Barangay Malinao, Kalilangan, Bukidnon on May 27, 2026.
According to PRO10, the explosive ordnance was discovered after personnel of the Bukidnon Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit (PECU) received a cellphone call at around 12:28 p.m. from the 1004th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (1004th MC RMFB10) regarding the presence of suspected explosives in the area.
Responding swiftly to the report, the Explosive Incident Response Team (EIRT) of the Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit 10 (RECU 10) immediately proceeded to the location to verify the information and assess the situation.
Authorities said the EIRT arrived at the Furchacu Patrol Base of the 1004th MC RMFB10 at approximately 4:00 p.m., where they coordinated with stationed personnel before heading to the exact site of the discovery deep within the forested area.
Initial investigation revealed that the explosive ordnance was accidentally found by a farmer identified only by the alias “Mando,” 35 years old and a resident of Purok 4, Barangay Malinao. The farmer reportedly stumbled upon the mortar rounds while gathering firewood in the area.
After a thorough assessment and evaluation, EOD technicians positively identified the recovered items as eight pieces of 81mm High Explosive mortar rounds. Authorities noted that although the ordnance was already corroded, it remained in serviceable condition, posing a potential danger to civilians if disturbed or mishandled.
To ensure public safety, the EIRT conducted Render-Safe Procedures (RSP) using the Pick-Up and Carry Away (PUCA) technique for the safe recovery and transport of the explosives. The operation was completed successfully without any untoward incident.
At around 9:10 p.m., the response team safely arrived at the Bukidnon PECU Office with the recovered mortar rounds. The explosives were subsequently placed under the custody of the unit and secured at the Temporary Collecting Point of the 1st Bukidnon Provincial Mobile Force Company for safekeeping and proper disposition.
PRO10 Regional Director PBGEN Christopher N. Abrahano commended the responding personnel for their swift and professional action in preventing possible harm to the public.
“The immediate coordination and rapid response of our personnel were key in preventing possible tragedy. PRO10 remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the public at all times,” Abrahano said.
Authorities continue to remind residents to immediately report any suspicious objects, abandoned explosives, or war materiel found in remote areas to the nearest police station or military unit to prevent accidents and ensure proper handling by trained bomb disposal experts.