Foreign experts conduct explosives training

CEBU, Philippines - A three-day Chemical and Explosives System Exploitation Course is being conducted at the headquarters of the Central Command of the Camp Lapu-Lapu, barangay Lahug, Cebu City.

This is in partnership with the Canadian Embassy wherein four personnel from the foreign country are sent to conduct and demonstrate what the course is all about.

The course, which started yesterday, aims to instill awareness among those at the frontline during crisis situations and possible terror attacks.

A total of 55 participants from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Coast Guard, and Armed Forces of the Philippines attended.

“This course targets specifically environmental issue such as abandoned weapons left behind during the second world war and materials from the combat in the Philippines and regionally,” said Ken Pirie, head of Health, Safety, Security and Environment Programs at the Defense Research and Development-Canada.

Pirie added that the Philippines must always be ready against any terrorist attack since terrorists are utilizing and using recovered weapons.

Training the locals are Dave Ewing, Explosive Chemical System Exploitation Technician, Mark Seniuk, Second Secretary Political and Economic Relations and Public Affairs and Tiffany Urrutio, Senior Program Assistant and Political and Economic Relations and Public Officer.

Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Tampus, public information officer of the Centcom, thanked the Canadian nationals for doing the initiative. He added that the Canadians are also planning to distribute five high-tech X-ray machines capable of detecting bombs, chemicals and explosives.

Today, there will be a demonstration of donning of personal protective equipment suits, X-ray of unexploded ordnance and actual demonstration of explosives.

A core group among the participating line agencies will be created to serve as a pool of trainers for Visayas. This is the third leg of the training conducted in the Philippines. The two were in Manila and Davao. — (FREEMAN)