Army disposes unserviceable ammo
The Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division disposed 2,043 rounds of unserviceable ammunition through a controlled detonation recently.
Done at the military reservation of the 3rd ID headquarters at Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz, the detonation was conducted with the assistance of the Philippine Army 6th Forward Service Support Unit and the AFP Munitions Control Center.
The 23rd Explosives Ordnance Demolition team led by Staff Sgt. Hilario Casino Jr. were also mobilized to conduct the detonation of the unserviceable ammunition.
The detonation site was an unpopulated area of Sitio Pula, Brgy. Jaena Sur, within the 33,100-hectare military reservation.
Detonated were 105mm rounds, 90mm rounds, 60mm mortar rounds, and 40mm linked ammunition.
“The detonation of the unserviceable ammunition was done in the interest of public safety and military force protection,” 3rd ID commander Maj. General Vicente Porto said.
“We owe it to our soldiers to provide them with serviceable equipment and ammunition; we do not want these blowing up in their faces and causing them injury, or worse, death,” he said.
First Lt. Mark Andrew Posadas, spokesperson of 3rd ID, said two weeks before, the 3rd ID took precautions to ensure that residents living within the 15-kilometer radius of the blasting site were informed of the activity.
They were warned to stay away from the area on detonation day to avoid any untoward incident, he said.
A patrol team was also dispatched to cordon off the area to prevent any passers-by from accidentally wandering into the blast site.
“The blast and the magnitude of the explosion could disrupt the civilians residing near the blasting site. We thought it prudent to inform and explain to them that we have such an activity so there will be no unnecessary panic once the detonation is underway,” Posadas said.
The AFP Disposal Operations team gave a briefing on the proper handling of unserviceable explosives and additional safety tips. After which, the ammunition for disposal were hauled to the blasting site where it was prepared for detonation.
The detonation occurred without incident at 1 p.m. of July 17. It was witnessed by personnel from the 3rd ID and representatives from the Commission on Audit and the AFP Munitions Control Center.
