31/08/2026
UNIFIED 911 ALERT PUTS PNP ON TRACK TO TWO 81MM MORTARS IN CAGAYAN DE ORO
The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., underscored the value of the Unified 911 system in addressing public safety concerns after an emergency call led police to a potential explosive hazard in Cagayan de Oro City on August 24, 2026.
The alert came from a concerned citizen who sought police assistance after an alleged mortar round was discovered in a residential area in Dama de Noche, Adela, Barangay Camaman-an. Responding police personnel proceeded to the location to verify the information and secure the area.
Initial inquiry established that alias โAriesโ entered the residence of his neighbor, alias โRick,โ and noticed an 81mm mortar round among a stockpile of garbage. Police personnel immediately sought the assistance of the PNP Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit 10 to safely handle and retrieve the suspected explosive ordnance.
EOD personnel identified the items as two 81mm Mortar, HE (High Explosive) rounds and carried out the appropriate recovery procedures. The recovered ordnance was subsequently placed under EOD custody for safekeeping and proper disposition.
Further investigation indicated that alias โRick,โ a 55- to 60-year-old resident of the area, allegedly found the explosive ordnance while scavenging through garbage in various parts of Cagayan de Oro City and later brought the items to his residence.
โPublic safety depends on vigilance not only from our police officers but also from the communities we serve. We will remain ready to respond to every call that may help prevent harm and protect lives,โ PGEN Nartatez said.
โKapag may makitang ganitong mga pampasabog, huwag itong pakialaman. Tumawag agad sa 911 o sa pinakamalapit na himpilan ng pulis upang ligtas na maaksyunan,โ he added.
The incident reflects the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations and Active Community Support, through the prompt police response and timely assistance from the public.
The recovery of the mortar rounds demonstrates how accessible emergency reporting, public vigilance, and specialized police capability can help keep potentially dangerous explosive ordnance away from residential communities.
The Unified 911 is a vital public safety service under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), led by Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla Jr., providing the public with a direct channel for immediate police and emergency assistance.
As the PNP safeguards communities through prompt action and strengthened public engagement under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it assures the public of โBagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.โ
(PNP-PIO)