ZAMBOANGA CITY - A 1,000-pound vintage bomb was found by a backhoe operator in Isabela City, Basilan province on Saturday, October 3, the military in the province reported Sunday evening, October 4.
Joint Task Force (JTF) Basilan Commander Col. Domingo Gobway reported that troops of the 16th Special Forces Company and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD) Team immediately cordoned off the area for the safe recovery of the bomb.
Gobway said the bomb was found by a backhoe operator while digging in Barangay Isabela Proper, Isabela City, Basilan.
The police and military EOD teams immediately conducted an evaluation and assessment of the vintage bomb.
The soldiers later brought the vintage bomb to the Fourth Special Forces Battalion headquarters in Barangay Cabunbata, Isabela City while waiting for the approval for proper disposal.
"We are still waiting for the report from the EOD team as to the classification of the vintage bomb,” said Gobway.
"Nevertheless, let us practice alertness and vigilance at all times," he added.