Kidapawan City LGU, intensifies security measures against possible IED attacks

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 3): Kidapawan City LGU, intensifies security measures against possible IED attacks

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato -- Local authorities here have initiated target hardening of all business establishments as means of strengthening security measures against Improvised Explosive Device (IED) threats.

City Mayor Joseph Evangelista ordered the move after IED attacks took place in the neighboring municipalities of Pikit, Kabacan and M'lang that recorded fatalities and casualties.

“We are doing this for the safety of everybody here in the city,” Mayor Evangelista said.

Recently, operatives from the City Public Safety Office together with the Explosive Ordnance Unit of the Philippine Army and City PNP did a series of target hardening in several business establishments based here.

Among those who participated were big department stores such as the Gaisano Grand Mall and Sugni Superstore, local banks and fast food chains as well as store owners occupying stalls along the Mega Market and night time barbeque and balut vendors.

The activity taught participants on how to identify IEDs as well as the proper protocol to be observed if and when IEDs are present in their vicinities.

To further educate the participants, Army EOD and PNP brought with them the actual composition of an IED like blasting caps, switches, timing devices, wirings, C4 as well as empty projectiles of Rocket Propelled Grenades and empty shells of 60 mm and 81 mm mortars that are commonly use as ordnance of Improvised Explosive Devices.

With this effort, participants were thankful that they were timely educated as this will add to their vigilance in avoiding  possible IED attacks now  that heavier volume of costumers are expected because of the Christmas Season.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2301417585949/kidapawan-city-lgu-intensifies-security-measures-against-possible-ied-attacks