Photo courtesy of PNP
Corroded ammunition was discovered at a construction site inside the Clark Freeport Zone in Mabalacat City, prompting police explosives specialists to secure the area and recover the items.
Personnel from the Philippine National Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Group responded to the site on August 17 after the ammunition was reported.
The team assessed the location before removing the recovered items and transferring them to a temporary holding facility for safekeeping and proper disposition.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said the incident showed why trained personnel were needed in handling potentially dangerous materials.
“Hindi lang bilis ang kailangan sa ganitong sitwasyon. Kailangan tama ang assessment at tama rin ang handling. That is why we make sure our trained personnel are ready to respond and manage these situations properly,” Nartatez said.
He also warned the public against touching, opening or moving suspected ammunition, explosives or other unfamiliar objects that may pose a safety risk.
“Kung may makita kayong ganitong bagay, huwag na nating subukang galawin, buksan, o ilipat. Lumayo muna, keep others away from the area, at agad ipagbigay-alam sa pinakamalapit na police station o awtoridad. Mas ligtas kapag trained personnel ang humawak at magsuri,” Nartatez said.
Police did not immediately disclose the type, quantity or possible origin of the ammunition. The recovered items remained under proper custody pending appropriate disposition.