CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Police authorities recovered two pieces of 81mm high-explosive mortar rounds after the explosive ordnance was discovered in a residential area in Dama de Noche, Adela, Barangay Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City, on August 24, 2026.
The incident was reported to police at around 10:00 p.m. through the 911 emergency hotline after a concerned citizen alerted authorities about a suspected mortar round found in the neighborhood.
Responding police personnel immediately proceeded to the reported location to verify the information and secure the area.
Initial police inquiry established that at around noon of the same day, a man identified only as alias “Aries” entered the house of his neighbor, alias “Rick,” where he noticed what appeared to be an 81mm mortar round mixed with a stockpile of garbage.
Upon confirming the presence of the suspected explosive ordnance, the responding personnel immediately coordinated with the PNP Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit 10 for its safe recovery and handling.
EOD personnel promptly arrived at the area and conducted an assessment of the items. An EOD technician subsequently identified and classified them as two 81mm Mortar, HE (High Explosive) rounds.
The EOD team then carried out the appropriate recovery procedure, ensuring that the explosive ordnance was handled and secured in accordance with established safety protocols.
Further police investigation indicated that alias “Rick,” reportedly aged between 55 and 60 and a resident of the area, allegedly found the explosive ordnance while scavenging through garbage in various parts of Cagayan de Oro City. He reportedly brought the items to his residence before they were discovered.
Police did not report any explosion, injury, or property damage in connection with the recovered ordnance.
The two mortar rounds were subsequently placed under the custody of EOD personnel for proper safekeeping and appropriate disposition.
The recovery underscored the potential danger posed by abandoned or improperly handled explosive ordnance, particularly when such items are brought into residential areas without proper identification or knowledge of their hazardous nature.
Police Regional Office 10 Officer-in-Charge PBGEN Aaron M. Mandia commended the responding police personnel and the EOD team for their prompt coordination and professional handling of the incident.
Authorities also emphasized the importance of immediately reporting suspected explosive devices to law enforcement and avoiding unnecessary handling or movement of such items to prevent possible accidents or injuries.