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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Vintage mortar discovered during drainage works in Sampaloc

Vintage mortar discovered during drainage works in Sampaloc

Published Sep 9, 2025 05:42 pm
Photo courtesy of MPD
Photo courtesy of MPD
A vintage mortar shell was discovered during routine drainage rehabilitation works in Sampaloc, Manila, on Tuesday morning, prompting a swift response from local authorities and bomb disposal units.
At approximately 10:35 a.m. on September 9, a construction crew working on a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) project uncovered one vintage 60-millimeter high-explosive (H.E.) mortar round buried inside a drainage system at Negros Street, corner Visayan Street, Barangay 565, Sampaloc.
The explosive was found by a foreman subcontracted for the DPWH drainage project, who, along with his team, was conducting declogging operations in the area.
Upon discovering the mortar, the crew immediately reported it to the Barangay Chairman of Barangay 565, who then contacted local police for assistance.
Responding officers from the Manila Police District (MPD) quickly secured the area.
Members of the District Explosives and Canine Unit (DECU) were deployed to assess the situation and confirmed the item as a 60mm mortar round with intact safety pins, indicating that it could still be live and dangerous.
The situation was safely resolved at around 11:45 a.m., with no injuries or damage reported.
Authorities noted that such vintage explosives are occasionally found in Manila, believed to be remnants from past conflicts, including World War II.
Officials have urged the public, particularly workers involved in excavation or construction, to report any suspicious objects to the authorities to ensure immediate safety.

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