Law enforcers undergo training for biological, chemical attacks

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - - The military and police explosive ordnance and disposal experts are undergoing training to counter  possible chemical and biological bomb attack by terrorist groups.

Rear Admiral Roberto Santos, deputy chief for Education and Training or AFP J8, said they are training the military and police and those in government agencies classified as first responders to handle chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear explosives.

He said the training held at the headquarters of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) will impart the needed skills for military disposal units to respond to any threat or use of biological bombs of terror groups.

The training was sponsored by the Canadian government. Canadian Ambassador Christopher Thornley visited the training on Monday.

Santos said the training will prepare Filipino law enforcers to respond to biological warfare amid terror attacks in the Middles East. He also said that they are not discounting the possibility that the country may be a target of such an attack because the Philippines is taking a lead role in combating terrorism in Asia. 

“We have not heard that the terrorists have shifted (to using  biological or chemical bombs) but there were previous threats from previous experiences in other countries,” Santos added.

Training  on handling biological and chemical bomb attacks have also been  conducted in Thailand and Indonesia.

Santos said those undergoing training will also train other members of their units to prepare for any threat or attack.