DAVAO CITY — A potentially deadly incident was prevented after the Philippine National Police (PNP) safely recovered an unexploded ordnance (UXO) discovered inside a junk shop in Davao City, highlighting the importance of public vigilance and the swift response of specialized bomb disposal personnel.
The unexploded projectile was found mixed with assorted scrap metals that had been purchased by the junk shop from an unidentified seller. The discovery immediately prompted authorities to deploy the Explosive Incident Response Team of the PNP Explosive Ordnance Disposal and K9 Group (PNP-EOD/K9) to assess and secure the area.
Following a thorough inspection, bomb disposal experts identified the recovered item as a 105mm High Explosive (HE) artillery projectile without a fuze. Although the ordnance showed visible signs of age and corrosion, authorities emphasized that it was still treated as a potentially dangerous explosive capable of posing a serious threat to lives and property.
Using established Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) safety protocols, the team carefully secured the projectile and transported it to the custody of the PNP-EOD/K9 Group for proper disposal and further handling in accordance with standard operating procedures.
Authorities said the successful operation prevented what could have been a tragic accident had the explosive item been mishandled or accidentally detonated during scrap processing.
Safety Awareness Campaign
Aside from safely recovering the unexploded ordnance, responding personnel also conducted an on-site safety orientation for junk shop workers, stressing the dangers posed by unexploded military munitions that may unknowingly end up in scrap metal collections.
Workers were reminded never to touch or attempt to dismantle suspicious objects and instead immediately report them to the nearest police station or authorities for proper assessment.
The PNP also reiterated its appeal to junk shop operators and scrap collectors to remain vigilant, noting that unexploded ordnance occasionally surfaces among salvaged metal materials and can still pose significant risks despite appearing old or damaged.
Strengthening Public Safety
The operation forms part of the PNP’s continuing implementation of its Focused Agenda, particularly under its Enhanced Managing Police Operations program, which aims to strengthen preventive measures and improve public safety through rapid response and community engagement.
The initiative also supports the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to promote safer communities through proactive law enforcement and stronger coordination between authorities and the public.
PNP Chief Commends EOD Personnel
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the responding Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel for their professionalism and prompt action in safely neutralizing the potential threat.
He urged the public not to ignore suspicious objects that could endanger communities.
“Hindi natin dapat ipagwalang-bahala ang anumang bagay na maaaring magdulot ng panganib sa komunidad. Kapag may nakita o napansing kahina-hinalang explosive item, huwag itong galawin at agad na ipagbigay-alam sa pinakamalapit na himpilan ng pulisya. Ang mabilis na pag-uulat ng mamamayan ay malaking tulong upang maiwasan ang aksidente at mapanatiling ligtas ang ating mga komunidad,” Nartatez said.
He added that the successful operation demonstrated the readiness and professionalism of the PNP’s EOD personnel.
“This successful response reflects the preparedness and professionalism of our EOD personnel. We will continue strengthening our preventive efforts and community engagement so that potential threats are addressed before they can place lives at risk.”
The PNP continues to encourage junk shop operators, scrap metal collectors, and the general public to exercise extreme caution when encountering unfamiliar objects that may be explosive in nature. Authorities emphasized that immediate reporting remains the safest course of action to prevent accidents and ensure the proper handling of potentially hazardous materials.
The incident serves as a reminder that even decades-old military ordnance can remain dangerous and underscores the vital role of public awareness and rapid police response in protecting communities from hidden explosive threats.