JSOTF-P Assists PNP with Live Fire Demonstration

By Lt.j.g. Theresa Donnelly, Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines Public Affairs

ZAMBOANGA, Republic of the Philippines – Members of Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines Explosive Ordnance Disposal Task Unit (JSOTF-P EOD) joined Philippine National Police Forces (PNP) for a live-fire demonstration of Improvised Explosive Device detonation Oct 20.

The training, held at Police Regional Office Nine headquarters in Zamboanga City, was designed to teach first responders from PNP’s Explosive Incident Reaction Team what to do if they come across a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

“We are so glad that the first responders are here to receive this training. This gives them an overview, an orientation, which is not taught in schools. Now they can go back to their respective units with this knowledge,” said Jonathan A. Nodado, a police officer from Regional Explosive Disposal and Detection Unit 9.Members of Zamboanga City Police Office Bomb Squad assisted JSOTF-P EOD members by constructing types of detonators for the explosives. Participants also observed ways IEDs are built and triggered.

During the demonstration, instructors also taught the teams how to create a shaped charge, which controls the direction of the blast, making sure the explosion is detonated without loss of life.

“Our objective as EOD technicians is to control when and where the IED will explode and to keep people from dying,” said the JSOTF-P EOD Task Unit officer-in-charge.

Many of these first responders are on the front line in the deterrence of IED activity in Zamboanga City.

“Since they are first to arrive on scene once an IED is detected, it is crucial they know exactly what steps to take. That is why this training is so important,” said the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 2nd Class.

This was the second day JSOTF-P’s EOD Team worked with this Regional PNP office. The first day of training covered basic IED awareness and recognition such as types of IEDs, composition, ways to conceal IEDs, and how each explosive is designed for different purposes.

“The awareness training is so important because the first responders must know how to effectively manage a bomb scene and to minimize causalities upon discovery of an IED,” said JSOTF-P’s EOD OIC.

After the demonstration, participants received graduation certificates, signifying their increased awareness and understanding how to respond should they encounter an IED.