PNP EOD/K9 group boosts capability
AMID the recent wave of hoax bomb threats that have disrupted classes and government work in some parts of the country, the Philippine National Police (PNP) EOD/K9 Group has intensified its operational and training capabilities.
An investigation revealed that Feb. 12’s bomb hoaxes were connected to previous hoaxes in government offices, public schools, and railway.
The hoaxes were said to have originated from Takahiro Karasawa, who claimed to be a Japanese lawyer.
Police investigators have sought the assistance of the Japanese Embassy in investigating the source of the bomb hoax. Such a damming act carries a penalty of up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine not exceeding P40,000.
Last week, PNP chief, General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. led the groundbreaking of the new PNP EOD/K9 Group building inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.
The ceremonies also saw the Unit getting six more EOD robots from United States Embassy officials led by Senior Regional Security Officer Vincent Cooper who represented Ambassador MaryKay Carlson.
The event also saw the US Embassy turning over six advanced Bomb Remo Al Automated Vehicle (BRAVE) robots to the EOD/K9 Group.
The robots were donated as a result of the US Anti-Terrorism Assistance (ATA) program which officials said exemplifies the power of international collaboration in combating terrorism.
The event likewise highlighted the indispensable role of De La Salle University engineering students under Dr. Elmer P. Dadios, the head of the DLSU Robotics Engineering program in the initiative.
Simultaneously, the groundbreaking ceremony for the EOD/K9 Group headquarters marked the initiation of a modern base for the PNP unit.
On March 1 last year, Ambassador Carlson led the turnover of explosive disposal equipment to the PNP to enhance the anti-terrorism capabilities of the PNP’s Explosive and Ordnance Division and Canine Group or EOD/K9.
The plan to build a Regional Canine Unit-National Capital Region building was hatched on September 28, 2021 as the PNP leadership wanted to transfer the present EOD/K9 office in Camp Crame to Camp Bagong Diwa.
It originally had a budget of nearly P190 million and was undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Last January, PATROL party-list Representative Jorge Bustos met with Brig. Gen. Albert Magno to finalize a comprehensive support by the House of Representatives to the building of the new EOD/K9 facility.
Magno said the turnover of the 6 new EOD Robots to their unit will improve their effort to respond to any bomb emergency in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.
He also thanked the Embassy’s significant support to the EOD/K9 Group, particularly when it comes to training their personnel and providing them with hi-tech equipment.
