- NBI: Explosive devices found in garbage collection effort
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) XI confirmed on Friday that the three explosive devices (mortars) turned over by an identified person to a barangay councilor in Lapu-Lapu, Agdao, do not pose an immediate security threat.
NBI XI regional director Arcelito Albao assured the public that this discovery would not disrupt the Kadayawan Festival celebrations.
Albao told TIMES that the bombs [ 60MM and 81MM] are still “live” and could potentially explode even if they were the same type used in the Roxas Night Market bombing.
Barangay Kagawad Ferdinand Malicdem, chair of the Committee on Solid Waste Management in Lapu-Lapu, Agdao, explained that a man estimated to be around 40 years old delivered the mortars.
“He [Malicdem] was driving a multicab and, while driving around Barangay Lapu-Lapu, [the man] approached the councilor and handed over a plastic cellophane package. Initially, they thought it was just trash. However, when they arrived at the barangay hall to segregate the waste, they discovered that the package contained bombs,” Albao said.
“Immediately after discovering the bombs, the barangay councilor contacted the authorities,” he said.
When the Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD) of the Davao City Police Office arrived, they confirmed that these were the same type of explosives used in the previous Roxas Night Market bombing, which resulted in many casualties,” he added.
Albao also mentioned that the EOD noted the potential wide damage the bombs could cause if detonated and that similar devices had been used in other bombings, including attacks on buses.
“We attempted to locate the man who delivered the mortars, but the barangay councilor could not recall his face. Despite searching the entire Barangay Lapu-Lapu, we have been unable to find him,” Albao said.
The three explosives have been surrendered to the EOD of the PNP.
When asked if the discovery was related to the Kadayawan Festival, Albao stated, “In my personal capacity as a law enforcer, I do not believe this is a threat to the festival. It is possible the person who found and surrendered the bombs was a concerned citizen who came across them by chance.”
“We are still investigating to uncover the truth. It’s possible there may be more explosives out there, so we are continuing our search in Barangay Lapu-Lapu. Unfortunately, the individual who delivered the bombs has disappeared,” he added.
Regarding public safety and security, Albao expressed his gratitude to the Barangay Hall of Lapu-Lapu for promptly reporting the incident and to the police for quickly securing the explosives.
He urged the public, especially during the Kadayawan Festival, to report any suspicious activity immediately to the PNP, NBI, or other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees.
“We hope nothing happens and that the discovered bombs do not pose a threat to our festival. We want everyone to enjoy Kadayawan without concern,” he concluded.
