EXPLOSIVES AT PGH

MANILA, Philippines – Two vintage World War II bombs and a Japanese grenade were unearthed on Monday, July 7, on the ground floor of Salcedo Hall at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH).

The discovery was made by construction workers who were digging in the area for the construction of a septic tank at approximately 3:15 p.m.

Police Chief Master Sergeant Ernesto Rivera Jr. of the Manila Police District – EOD K9 Unit identified the recovered items. He stated, “‘Yong aming na-identify, ‘yong sinasabing vintage bomb na ‘yon ay 75mm projectile explosive and one piece of type 79 Japanese hand grenade.” (“What we identified as the so-called vintage bomb is a 75mm projectile explosive and one piece of Type 79 Japanese hand grenade.”)

Authorities emphasized that despite their age and corroded appearance, the explosives remain dangerous. Rivera explained, “Delikado pa rin kasi hindi naman ibig sabihin na natagpuan natin siyang in corroded condition siya, kalawang, wala na siyang explosive fillers sa loob.” (“It’s still dangerous because it doesn’t mean that just because we found it in a corroded, rusty condition, it no longer has explosive fillers inside.”) He added that the 75mm projectile explosive has a casualty radius of 16 meters.

The unearthed ordnance is currently being held in a secure facility. It is scheduled to undergo a disposal operation through detonation.