The Government Guard Unit of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University conducted a 1-day training on bomb/ IED detection and identification in the Mid La Union Campus last July 23, 2024. The University Security Office organized the training with the La Union Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit (LUPECU), a National Support Unit of the Philippine National Police.
PEMS Isagani S. Balderas (Team Leader) spearheaded the training, which was co-facilitated by PCMS Ruel S Camarao along with PMSG Andrew N Pongod, PMSG Elean Dominic Mallari, and PSSG Anthony Jayson B Sunio who are all members PNP Special Weapons and Tactics and have undergone specialized training on bomb disposal.
In consonance with two of the nine objectives of DMMMSU Government Guard Unit, which are “to revitalize personnel’s motivation towards professional development thru bi-annual training, and to initiate 90% lockstep direction of security guards in their Individual Development Plan,” the training aimed to equip the University’s security personnel with the necessary knowledge and techniques in detection and identification of bombs/ improvised explosives device (IEDs), and to develop their awareness and risk perception about the dangers posed by IEDs.
DRRM officers — Prof. Randulph Navasca, University DRRM Director; and Dr. Salvador Llavore, SLUC DRRM Officer — also participated in the training.
Topics such as components of IEDs and their functions, kinds of bombs, and types of detonating devices were extensively discussed; actual materials such as hand grenades, rifle grenades, ammunitions, artillery shells, mortar ammos, blasting caps, detonating cords, and others were brought to the venue and were presented to the participants. The difference between the two types of bombs (C4 and data sheet bomb) was emphasized because the first looks as though it were like a white detergent bar. In contrast, the latter looks like a thin cardboard with a plastic cover and comes in different sizes that may be identical to the size of a small or a medium mailing envelope but powerful enough to dismember the arms of an individual or even kill them.
Bomb making and defusing, however, were not included in the training as information on these are exclusive only to PNP personnel who are authorized to undergo training/courses related to IED.
Also, during the training, different types of bomb switches and how they are activated were shown in a video presentation. The video stirred the participants’ attention in the later part of the lecture about mail bombs and suspicious packages delivered to offices and residences. They were also briefed on things to look out for when they encounter suspicious-looking visitors, an example is a blasting cap or a detonation cord, which may be disguised as a shoe lace or necklace.
As an important part of the training, the lecturers also elucidated the DOs and DON’Ts as well as the SOPs in dealing with IEDs and bomb threats.
The training concluded with the trainers expressing their willingness to conduct the same training with ROTC cadets and NSTP students. (By Napoleon Valeriano Mayo Cayabyab)
