US turns over EOD to PNP

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 2): US turns over EOD to PNP

United States (US) Embassy regional security officer Lon Clyde Fairchild, Jr. and Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security Antiterrorism Assistance (DS/ATA) resident program manager Ronald Dizon formally turned over the post blast investigation and explosive incident countermeasure kits to Philippine National Police - Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal Canine (EOD/K9) Group during the first Anniversary of the EOD/K9 Group held at the PNP Multi-purpose Hall, Camp Crame, Quezon City on April 24, 2017.

The DS/ATA’s EOD/K9 recognizes that a well-trained EOD/K9 with an experienced handler is an excellent tool in locating explosive devices. To develop this capability in the Philippines, DS/ATA began assisting the PNP in early 2007 with the establishment of an EOD/K-9 facility for the PNP National Capital Region Police Office.

The facilities include kennels, a veterinary clinic and billeting for EOD/K9 handlers. Six bomb detector dogs were granted by DS/ATA in 2008 to the PNP EOD/K9 Group and in 2015, twenty-two additional bomb detector dogs were granted. DS/ATA trained 22 handlers who are now assigned to Mindanao and the National Capital Region.

To develop the PNP’s bomb disposal and investigation capabilities, DS/ATA provided a post blast investigation and explosive incident countermeasure training and equipment to critical areas in Mindanao; in particular to Zamboanga, Davao, General Santos, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

DS/ATA-trained bomb technicians and investigators are now able to respond quickly to bombing incidents and improvised explosive device (IED) threats, preventing the loss of lives. DS/ATA-trained and equipped EOD/K9 units also provided IED Awareness Training to PNP units, local schools, and civic groups in at-risk areas of Mindanao.

The US government has donated P19 million worth of explosive ordnance devices (EOD) and was received by PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2761493372461/us-turns-over-eod-to-pnp