Preparations underway for blasting off bombs in Marawi

Photo courtesy of Task Force Bangon Marawi-Joint Task Group Builder

ILIGAN CITY — Preparations are underway for blasting off today, August 3, unexploded bombs and ordnance found underneath the debris of war-ravaged Marawi City.

Col. Ireneo Sebastian, commander of Task Force Bangon Marawi’s Joint Task Group Builder, said final briefing for officials and technicians involved in the detonation was ongoing.

The detonation will be in Barangay Moncado Colony, where a 260-pound air-dropped bomb was found, buried nine meters deep into the ground.

Earlier, soldiers have dug a pit to expose some portions of the bomb so it can be attached with a detonating chord.

A 110-pound bomb is also among those to be detonated.

Sebastian said the other unexploded bombs and ordnance have been lowered to the pit so these would be blasted off all at once.

The military has scheduled the blasting for Saturday to prevent disruption of classes and offices from the blast impact.

A siren will blow off to warn residents of the blast. /lb

Photo courtesy of Task Force Bangon Marawi-Joint Task Group Builder

Photo courtesy of Task Force Bangon Marawi-Joint Task Group Builder